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.
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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.