The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 14 fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, early Thursday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Katchatheevu. Their two boats were seized.
Witnesses reported that the Navy attacked the fishermen, damaging their fishing nets and GPS equipment. The boats were deliberately rammed, causing further damage.
This incident follows a similar arrest on December 3, when 18 Tamil Nadu fishermen were detained for entering Sri Lankan waters near Neduntheevu. The fishermen were taken to the Kangesan Naval Base for further investigation.
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Since June, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 425 fishermen and seized 58 boats. Many fishermen remain detained in Sri Lankan jails. Despite discussions between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities, arrests and seizures have continued.
Fishermen’s associations in Tamil Nadu are planning large-scale protests against the ongoing arrests. A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, said the fishermen’s livelihoods are under severe threat. He also highlighted that the Sri Lankan government plans to nationalize seized mechanized boats, further devastating the industry.
The Tamil Nadu fishermen’s association has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and end the arrests and boat seizures. Local leaders like K.M. Periasamy also plan to meet with the Prime Minister and Union External Affairs Minister to address the issue.
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