Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the central government to secure release of arrested fishermen.

Sri Lanka Navy arrests 16 Tamil fishermen, MK Stalin urges diplomatic action

Sri Lankan Navy arrested 16 Tamil fishermen for allegedly crossing the maritime border. This prompted Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin to seek urgent diplomatic intervention for their immediate release and return.

by · India Today

In Short

  • 16 Indian fishermen arrested for allegedly crossing into Sri Lankan waters
  • Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin requested central government to secure their release
  • Fishermen families demanded their release ahead of Diwali amid rising tensions

Sixteen fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Their boats were also seized. The fishermen were apprehended while anchored between Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu islands.

Out of the 400 fishermen who left the Rameswaram fishing port, 16 were detained, and the seized boats belonged to two individuals, Mahendran and Ramasundaram. These boats were taken to the Mayilatti Fishing Port, where they were handed over to the Jaffna Fisheries Department.

The incident follows a period of tension between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy, with allegations of aggressive behaviour from the Lankan side. Recently, the Rameswaram fishermen had observed a month-long strike protesting the escalating actions of the Sri Lankan Navy, which they claim have led to arrests, boat seizures, and even violent attacks.

In response to the arrests, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic intervention.

Stalin emphasised that incidents of fishermen being detained by the Sri Lankan Navy have been rising, causing immense distress to their families. He urged the central government to take swift diplomatic measures to prevent such arrests and secure the release of the 128 Indian fishermen and 199 boats currently held by Sri Lanka.

Fishermen’s families are now calling for the immediate release of the arrested individuals, expressing concern over their well-being and the potential impact on their livelihoods, especially during the festive season.