Eight Rameswaram Fishermen Arrested By Sri Lankan Navy, TN Fishing Workers Association Voices Despair

This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between Tamil Nadu fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy which has seen an increase in arrests and seizures of fishing boats over the past year.

In response to the arrests, diplomatic discussions between India and Sri Lanka are underway, with the hope of securing the fishermen's release.

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The Sri Lankan Navy arrested eight Indian fishermen on Monday who had ventured into the sea from Rameswaram along with 430 mechanized boats. The fishermen were reportedly apprehended after crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar. The Sri Lankan Navy patrol boats intercepted them, leading to their arrest and the seizure of their fishing vessel.

According to the Rameswaram Assistant Director of Fisheries, the group had set out early in the morning as part of their regular fishing activities. "Yesterday, 430 mechanized boats from Rameswaram ventured into the sea for fishing. Of that, a boat, along with eight crew members, was apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy," he confirmed.

This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between Tamil Nadu fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy, which has seen an increase in arrests and seizures of fishing boats over the past year. CR Senthilvel, Tamil Nadu Secretary of the AITUC Fishing Workers' Association, expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation, noting the rising sense of despair among the fishing community.

"Today the Sri Lankan Navy arrested a barge and 8 fishermen. In this way, Tamil Nadu fishermen are being caught by the Sri Lankan Navy throughout the year. There have been a lot of boat attacks going on. 2 fishermen have been murdered. More than 350 fishermen have been arrested this year alone...Hence there is a sense of hopelessness among the fishermen," Senthilvel stated.

In response to the arrests, diplomatic discussions between India and Sri Lanka are underway, with the hope of securing the fishermen's release. The arrested individuals are released in batches following such negotiations

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin wrote a letter to Union Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar requesting to secure the release of all Indian fishermen and their fishing boats. He also mentioned that till now 116 fishermen and 184 boats are in the custody of Sri Lanka.