Rameswaram- The Sri Lankan Navy conducted an early Sunday morning operation that resulted in the arrest of 32 Tamil Nadu fishermen from Rameswaram and the seizure of five mechanized boats. The fishermen were reportedly taken to Jaffna for questioning after allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

This incident follows a pattern of recent arrests. Just days earlier, on February 19, ten fishermen were detained and three boats seized. Similar incidents occurred on February 9 (14 fishermen arrested), February 3 (10 fishermen), and January 26 (34 fishermen). Since June 2024, Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and confiscated 58 fishing vessels.

The arrests have sparked protests among fishing communities, with associations planning demonstrations in Rameswaram and other coastal areas. Antony John, a local fishermen's leader, expressed concern about the dangers faced in the Palk Bay, including reports of two fishermen being injured by gunfire.

The situation has drawn attention from political leaders. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar requesting diplomatic intervention, emphasizing the economic impact on fishing communities. PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Indian government to take stronger action against Sri Lanka's interventions.

Fishermen's associations have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent intervention and called for a permanent solution through bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka. They argue that the continuing arrests and boat seizures pose a significant threat to their livelihoods and community stability.