Sri Lanka Navy arrests 13 TN fishermen, seize boat
Thirteen Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy early Tuesday morning for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Their mechanised fishing boat was also seized.
The arrested fishermen, hailing from Rameswaram and Pudukottai, were taken to Jaffna in Sri Lanka, where they are expected to be questioned and presented before a judicial magistrate.
This arrest brings the total number of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by Sri Lankan authorities over the past three days to 47. Three high-value mechanised boats have also been confiscated during this period.
The arrests have once again highlighted the precarious situation of Tamil Nadu’s fishing community, who face frequent detentions while fishing in the Palk Bay region. Fishermen’s associations across the state have condemned the latest arrests, citing severe economic hardship and growing fear within the community.
The associations have announced large-scale protests in coastal districts and have written to the Prime Minister, demanding immediate action to prevent such mid-sea arrests and secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to ensure the release of Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lanka.
In his letter dated January 12, CM Stalin expressed deep concern over the recurring arrests, emphasising the economic challenges faced by fishing communities. “The recurring arrests and boat seizures have severely undermined the livelihoods of our fishermen. Swift action is required to secure their release and safeguard their rights,” CM Stalin wrote.