World

Sri Lankan Navy Arrests 17 Tamil Nadu Fishermen; Families Protest On Highway

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 17 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. In response, the families of the fishermen blocked the Madurai-Rameswaram highway.

According to the Tamil Nadu Coastal Police, the fishermen from Thangachimadam were at sea in two boats owned by P. Selvam and S. Uyirtharaj. Eight fishermen were on Selvam’s boat, while nine were on Uyirtharaj’s. They were apprehended near Neduntheevu around 3:30 a.m.

KM Periyasamy, a leader among the fishermen, expressed frustration over the frequent arrests. He stated, “The repeated arrests are making our lives miserable.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has requested intervention from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding this incident.

Also Read: Nepal Faces Tragedy As Landslides And Floods Claim Lives Amidst Heavy Rains

Periyasamy emphasized that the fishermen venture into the sea to earn a living, not to engage in illegal activities. He noted that the constant threat of arrest has created a mental block for many fishermen.

Recently, Chief Minister Stalin urged the External Affairs Minister to secure the release of 37 fishermen detained on September 21. He also requested the return of their boats from Sri Lankan custody and urged the government to prevent hefty fines on the arrested fishermen.

Stalin voiced his deep concern over the regular arrests, stating that many fishermen are captured even while fishing in Indian waters. He called for stronger measures to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lankan authorities.

In a tragic incident earlier this year, an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu died when his boat capsized after being rammed by a Sri Lankan Navy vessel. Currently, 87 Tamil Nadu fishermen remain in Sri Lankan jails.

4o mini
Shibra Arshad

Recent Posts

Mumbai’s Street MBA: How A Bag Hustle Became A ₹8 Lakh Business

A Mumbai auto driver earns up to ₹8 lakh per month by offering a simple…

35 mins ago

Five Districts In Manipur Face Internet Shutdown Following Unrest

Manipur suspended internet in five districts for five days after protests over arrest of a…

2 hours ago

Shashi Tharoor Criticises Pakistan: “In Pakistan You Get Rewarded For Promoting Terrorism”

Shashi Tharoor condemns Pakistan’s treatment of Dr Shakil Afridi, who helped the US locate Osama…

2 hours ago

How To Read Food Labels & Make Smarter Grocery Choices

Reading food labels helps you make informed, healthier choices by understanding nutrition facts & picking…

2 hours ago

JP Nadda Slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Match-Fixing’ Claims As ‘Desperation Of Losing’ Polls

Rahul Gandhi's opinion piece appeared in a national daily and sparked political uproar. Opposition parties…

14 hours ago

Poverty In India Reduced Via Tangible Boost In Household Living Standards, Incomes

In 2022–23, poverty under the revised $3.00 line stood at just 5.25 per cent in…

15 hours ago