Sri Lankan Navy Apprehends 22 Tamil Nadu Fishermen, Seizes Four Boats in Separate Incidents
The Sri Lankan navy has detained 22 fishermen from Rameswaram and Mandapam in Tamil Nadu, seizing four mechanized boats in two distinct incidents that occurred between Wednesday night and the early hours of Thursday. This escalation in maritime tensions has prompted urgent diplomatic appeals from the Tamil Nadu government.
First Incident Near Neduntheevu
According to police reports, more than 2,500 fishermen had set sail from the Rameswaram fishing jetty on Wednesday morning, utilizing approximately 500 boats. While they were reportedly fishing near Neduntheevu, the Sri Lankan navy intercepted them. In this operation, two boats belonging to Alex Daniel and Anthony Kirumiraj were seized, and the 12 fishermen on board were taken to the Kankesanthurai naval camp.
The detained individuals have been remanded in judicial custody until March 4. They are facing serious charges, including allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and using banned fishing nets, which are violations under Sri Lankan maritime law.
Second Incident Near Thalaimannar
In a separate incident near Thalaimannar during the early hours of Thursday, the Sri Lankan navy seized two additional motorized boats. Six fishermen on a boat owned by Venkatesan were detained, and four fishermen on a boat belonging to Malairajan were also apprehended. These fishermen were subsequently produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody, mirroring the legal actions taken in the first incident.
Chief Minister Stalin's Urgent Appeal
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, seeking immediate intervention to secure the expeditious release of all the arrested Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boats. In his letter, Stalin emphasized that the lives and livelihoods of the fishing community are highly dependent on the seas, and their frequent apprehensions cause profound distress among their families.
"The continuing delay in repatriation of 12 fishermen who were released by the Jaffna court during the first week of February remains a concern that has plunged the families into uncertainty and economic hardship," Stalin stated. He highlighted that as of now, 104 fishermen and 258 boats are under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities, underscoring the scale of the issue.
Stalin's appeal concluded with a direct request: "I therefore request you to take urgent diplomatic action for the repatriation of all the fishermen released from Sri Lankan custody and to secure the release of all detained Indian fishermen." This call for action reflects the growing urgency to address the recurring detentions that impact the socio-economic stability of coastal communities in Tamil Nadu.
