Stalin writes to Centre over 'alarming' arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lanka

by admin
Aug 29, 2024

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin informed the Centre that eight more fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy and expressed concern over the "alarming recurrence" of such arrests. This is the second such incident within a week, with the Sri Lankan Navy having apprehended 11 Indian fishermen on August 23 for alleged maritime boundary violations.

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the operation was conducted north of Mannar on August 26, 2024. That evening, inshore patrol craft belonging to the North-East Naval Command were deployed to drive away the Indian fishing trawlers poaching north of Mannar. The operation resulted in the seizure of one Indian fishing trawler and the apprehension of eight Indian fishermen who continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters despite being instructed to turn back.

The seized trawler, along with the eight Indian fishermen, was brought to Thalaimannar, where they were handed over to the Thalaimannar Fisheries Inspector for further legal proceedings. With this recent apprehension, the Navy has seized a total of 46 Indian trawlers and 341 Indian fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters in 2024.

"At present, 116 fishermen and 184 boats are in Sri Lankan custody. The alarming recurrence of such incidents has caused immense distress to the families of the arrested fishermen and has further exacerbated the livelihood problems faced by Indian fishermen. Their livelihood depends on these waters, and such arrests not only affect the well-being of the fishermen but also jeopardize the well-being of their families back home," Stalin said in the letter. He urged Jaishankar to expedite diplomatic efforts to secure the prompt release of all Indian boats and fishermen currently in Sri Lankan custody.

A day after this arrest, the Sri Lanka Navy also rescued two Indian fishermen from an Indian fishing vessel that was in distress in Indian waters, about eight nautical miles (about 14 km) off Kachchativu Island, northeast of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Navy personnel spotted the fishermen as they swam ashore and recounted that their boat had suffered a damaged hull, causing it to capsize.

The issue of Indian fishermen poaching in waters off the North-East has been a bone of contention between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government has failed to address these concerns, turning a blind eye to the issue in light of the upcoming presidential elections. Eelam Tamil fishermen have been protesting against the actions of Tamil Nadu fishermen, stating that their actions have endangered the livelihood of Tamil fisherfolk who fish in waters off the North-East.

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