Tamil Nadu: Rameshwaram Fishing Community Strikes Over Detention of 32 Fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy

Rameshwaram- The fishing community has initiated an indefinite strike following the latest detention of 32 local fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. The incident, which occurred on Sunday and included the seizure of five mechanized boats, has prompted approximately 700 boat operators to halt their operations in protest.

The strike, which has brought fishing activities to a standstill along the Rameswaram coast, is expected to create daily losses of around Rs 1 crore and affect more than 10,000 workers in the fishing sector. The decision to suspend operations was reached during an emergency meeting of mechanized boat fishermen's associations at the local harbor.

According to V.P. Sesuraja, who heads the Traditional Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, this marks the fourth such detention by Sri Lankan authorities this month alone. Since the start of 2025, the arrests have totaled 119 fishermen, with 16 boats confiscated. The situation has created significant financial hardship for fishing families, who often face substantial fines to secure their relatives' release.

The fishing community's frustration has led to plans for wider demonstrations across Tamil Nadu's coastal regions. Antony John, a prominent association leader, revealed that fishing organizations throughout the state's coastal districts are coordinating to organize a major statewide protest.

The crisis has drawn attention from state leadership, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reaching out to the Central government. In his communication to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Stalin emphasized the alarming frequency of arrests and called for an urgent meeting of the Joint Working Group to develop a lasting solution.

Local fishing leader Rajagopal C.M. from Thangachimadam highlighted the severe impact on the community's livelihood, noting that approximately 270 trawlers have been impounded since 2018. The situation has created a climate of fear, with many fishermen now reluctant to venture out to sea.

The fishermen's associations have taken several steps to address the crisis:

- Sent an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting diplomatic intervention

- Called for immediate action to secure the release of detained fishermen

- Demanded the return of confiscated vessels

- Urged the establishment of a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka

The protesters emphasize that beyond the immediate crisis of detained fishermen, there's a pressing need for a comprehensive solution to prevent future arrests and protect the fishing community's rights.

The recurring detentions have not only created immediate hardships but also threaten the long-term sustainability of fishing operations in the region.