5 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy earlier, have been successfully repatriated from the island nation. Currently, they are en route to India.
Taking to X, the Indian embassy in Sri Lanka said, “Five Indian fishermen have been safely repatriated from Sri Lanka and will reach India later this evening.”
Five Indian fishermen have been safely repatriated from Sri Lanka and will reach India later this evening. pic.twitter.com/bNxPc2HEh4
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 24, 2024
Meanwhile, there have been repeated instances of Indian fishermen being detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Earlier on 4 April, A total of 19 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were sent to Chennai in an Air India passenger flight from Sri Lanka’s Colombo. They were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on 6 March for crossing the border.
The 19 fishermen included 9 from Mayiladuthurai, 4 from Pudukottai, and 6 from Karaikal in Puducherry state.
On February 5, in an effort to highlight their ongoing concerns, fishermen from Rameswaram staged a symbolic strike.
The strike outlined the set of demands to tackle the difficulties they encounter.
The fishermen however declared their intent to return their voter ID cards to the central government. They also stated that they would boycott the elections if their demands remained unmet.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin voiced concerns over the escalating incidents of attacks. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene promptly and address the issue.
In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Stalin expressed his deep concern. He highlighted the alarming increase in incidents of Tamil fishermen and their boats being apprehended by the Sri Lankan authorities.
“This issue significantly affects the livelihoods of these fishermen, as their communities have depended on these fishing grounds for generations,” Stalin added.
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