In a fresh incident, the Sri Lankan navy has arrested ten fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram. The navy also seized their mechanised fishing boat. This happened early on Tuesday morning near Neduntheevu.
Details of the Arrest
The Sri Lankan navy officials took action against the fishermen. They alleged that the group crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The boat belonged to a person named Thennarasu.
The arrested fishermen have been identified. Their names are George, Sudhan, Kanagaraj, Paralogaraj, Gopi, Arockia Rubat, Premkumar, Dinesh, Sumith, and Rajesh.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
A court produced the fishermen and remanded them in judicial custody. Authorities lodged them in Jaffna prison. This development has sparked concern among the fishing community in Rameswaram.
Fishermen's Plight and Government Response
Fishermen associations in Rameswaram are urging the central government. They want immediate steps to secure the release of the fishermen and their boats.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In his letter, Stalin urged Jaishankar to take up the matter expeditiously. He emphasized the need for quick action to bring back the fishermen and their boat.
Timing and Distress
Stalin expressed deep distress over the timing of the arrests. They occurred on the eve of Pongal, the harvest festival. This highlights the continuing hardships faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen, according to the chief minister.
Background and Statistics
On Monday, the fisheries department issued tokens. These tokens allowed 400 mechanised boats to venture into the sea from the Rameswaram fishing jetty in Ramanathapuram district.
The current situation adds to existing tensions. As of now, a total of 252 fishing boats and 83 fishermen remain in Lankan custody. This incident underscores the ongoing maritime boundary disputes affecting the region.
