The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 25 fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district early on Monday. The fishermen, hailing from Pamban and Dhanushkodi, were intercepted while operating four country boats.
According to local police, the fishermen from Rameswaram, Pamban and Thangachimadam had departed in four boats from Tamil Nadu's coastline on Sunday evening.
As they ventured near Neduntheevu, Sri Lankan Navy personnel, who were patrolling the area, intercepted them. Later, they reportedly detained the boats and arrested the fishermen on charges of poaching within Sri Lankan waters. The fishermen were subsequently taken to Kankesanthurai for further proceedings, according to a report on The Hindu.
Neduntheevu, also known as Deft Island, is situated in northern Sri Lanka and is characterized by its shallow waters and coral beaches. The area is a known fishing ground, often leading to conflicts between Indian fishermen and Sri Lankan authorities, as reported by Deccan Herald.
In response to the arrests, numerous fishermen and their families from Pamban staged a roadblock, demanding the immediate release of the detained individuals and their boats. The protest highlighted the ongoing tension and frequent incidents of arrest in the region.
The arrest comes days after Union Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar reassured Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of the Central government's commitment to securing the release of the detained fishermen. This assurance followed a series of appeals from CM Stalin, who had written to the Ministry on June 19, 24, and 25, urging prompt intervention.
"The Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna have been expeditiously and consistently taking up such cases for early release of those detained," Jaishankar said. He also assured CM Stalin that they give the utmost priority to the welfare and security of Indian fishermen.