February 23rd 2025.
Human-like Text:
Early this morning, the Sri Lankan Navy made a startling move by arresting 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. The reason? These fishermen were allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Lankan waters. Along with the arrests, the authorities also seized five expensive mechanised boats.
According to the leaders of the fishermen community in Rameswaram, the arrested fishermen were taken to Jaffna in Sri Lanka for further questioning. This is not an isolated incident, as just three days prior, on February 19, the Sri Lankan Navy had arrested 10 fishermen from Rameswaram for the same reason. During the late-night operation, the navy also seized three mechanized fishing boats.
The coastal police officials in Tamil Nadu have confirmed that the fishermen were apprehended for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line while fishing in Sri Lankan waters. This has caused great distress among the families of the detained fishermen and the local fishing communities. They have urged both the Central and state governments to take immediate action to secure their release. In response, the fishermen's association leaders have announced plans for large-scale protests in Rameswaram and other coastal areas, strongly condemning the continued arrests.
Unfortunately, this issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being detained by the Sri Lankan Navy has been recurring for quite some time now. Just ten days ago, on February 9, 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested and their mechanized fishing boat was seized by Sri Lankan authorities. A similar incident occurred on February 3, when 10 fishermen from Rameswaram were also arrested for crossing the IMBL.
The repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have been strongly condemned by fishermen's associations. Antony John, a fishermen's association leader from Rameswaram, expressed deep concern over the escalating detentions. He stated, "The Sri Lankan Navy is arresting our fishermen regularly. They have even fired at our men, injuring two of them. This has to stop." He also highlighted the dangers of fishing in the Palk Bay, where fishermen not only risk losing their boats and equipment but also their livelihoods.
The fishermen's leaders have called on the Centre to take swift diplomatic action to secure the release of the detained fishermen and recover their impounded boats. They have also urged for a permanent solution through a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka. In fact, fishermen's associations from across Tamil Nadu have even sent letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting urgent intervention to prevent further arrests and protect coastal communities.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, emphasizing the severe economic impact of repeated arrests and boat seizures. He stated, "The recurring arrests and confiscations have severely affected the livelihoods of our fishermen. Swift diplomatic intervention is essential to safeguard their rights." Reports have revealed that since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and seized 58 fishing boats. These frequent arrests have triggered widespread protests, with fishermen accusing both the Union and state governments of failing to provide a lasting solution.
Former Union Minister and PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has called on the Indian government to take strong measures against Sri Lanka's actions. He stressed the urgent need to resolve maritime boundary disputes to ensure the safety and security of Tamil Nadu fishermen. With more protests planned across coastal districts, fishermen's associations continue to demand an immediate and lasting resolution through diplomatic efforts.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
