Sri Lankan Navy Apprehends 18 Tamil Nadu Fishermen

Chennai- On Tuesday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 18 Tamil Nadu fishermen for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Neduntheevu.

According to Tamil Nadu Coastal Police, the Sri Lankan authorities allege the fishermen were fishing illegally in Sri Lankan waters. Fishermen from two fishing boats were taken to the Kangesan Naval Base for questioning.

This incident marks the latest in a string of arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Since June 16, 425 fishermen have been arrested and 58 boats seized. Many of these fishermen are still being held in Sri Lankan jails.

The arrests have sparked outrage among the fishing community in Tamil Nadu and led to calls for action from both the central and state governments. Fishermen's associations are planning large-scale protests across the coastal districts.

A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, expressed the fishermen's plight, stating, "The livelihood of our fishermen was under threat. Thousands of families relying on fishing and related activities were facing severe hardship. A sense of fear has already gripped fishermen and their families about venturing into the sea."

Adding to the fishermen's woes, the Sri Lankan government announced plans to nationalize the seized mechanized fishing boats. "This action will devastate the industry, as many fishermen have taken loans to purchase these expensive boats, expecting to repay them through their earnings," explained Thajudhin.

The fishermen's association has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and stop the arrests and boat seizures.

K. M. Periasamy, a fishermen leader from Ramanathapuram, highlighted the emotional and financial strain on the affected families. "Families were in deep distress due to regular arrests and attacks in mid-sea by the Sri Lankan Navy," he said.

Periasamy, along with other fishermen's leaders, plans to meet with Prime Minister Modi and the Union External Affairs Minister to seek a resolution to the issue. "Tamil fishermen venture into the high seas for fishing, not for unlawful activities. We urge the Indian government to resolve this matter at the highest level with Sri Lankan authorities," he stated.

The issue of the fishermen's arrests was also raised by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his recent visit to Sri Lanka. Despite his urging, the arrests have continued unabated.