Sri Lankan Navy Detains 10 Indian Fishermen Amid Ongoing Tensions

Arrests Made for Alleged Poaching

Colombo: The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 10 Indian fishermen and confiscated their fishing vessel, citing poaching activities within Sri Lankan maritime boundaries.

According to a statement released by the Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday, the arrests occurred on Wednesday in the waters north of Mannar, where the fishermen were reportedly engaged in illegal fishing.

This year alone, the Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended 112 Indian fishermen and seized 16 fishing trawlers for similar offenses.

Additionally, authorities confirmed that 30 Indian fishermen were sent back to India from Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

The issue of fishermen has been a significant point of contention in India-Sri Lanka relations, with incidents of the Lankan Navy firing upon Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and seizing their boats due to alleged illegal fishing.

The Palk Strait, which separates Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, serves as a vital fishing area for both nations' fishermen.

It is common for fishermen from both sides to be arrested for accidentally crossing into each other's territorial waters.