Three fishermen from Mandapam in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line while fishing near Katchatheevu. The fishermen, out for routine fishing, were apprehended along with their boat and taken to a naval camp in northern Sri Lanka for further inquiry. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and livelihood of Indian fishermen operating in the Palk Strait.
The frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have caused anxiety among fishing communities in Ramanathapuram and nearby coastal areas. Families heavily reliant on deep-sea fishing for their income are particularly affected by these incidents. Fishermen’s associations have been advocating for a diplomatic resolution to prevent such arrests and ensure the well-being of the fishing community.
Recent appeals by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for diplomatic intervention to address the arrests and harassment of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. He called for a permanent solution to safeguard traditional fishing rights in the region and secure the release of detained fishermen and their boats.
The fishing community in Tamil Nadu continues to face economic hardships due to repeated arrests, prolonged detentions, and hefty fines imposed by the Sri Lankan authorities. Both state and Central governments are urged to escalate diplomatic efforts to protect Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay region. The recent arrests underscore the unresolved issue of cross-border fishing between India and Sri Lanka, emphasizing the critical necessity for a bilateral resolution.
