Concerns Rise as Sri Lankan Navy Detains Indian Fishermen in Palk Strait

Incident Overview

Chennai, Dec 30: The fishing community in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, is experiencing heightened anxiety following the arrest of three Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy early Tuesday morning. Their fishing trawler was also confiscated on allegations of illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

Background of the Issue

This incident highlights the ongoing and unresolved challenges faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen who frequently encounter detentions while fishing in the Palk Strait.

Officials from the Fisheries Department in Rameswaram have identified the detained fishermen as Rooban, Nagarajan, and Prabhu.

The trio had departed from the Rameswaram fishing harbor late Monday night after obtaining the necessary permissions from local authorities.

Details of the Arrest

While fishing near Neduntheevu (Delft Island), they were intercepted by a patrol from the Sri Lankan Navy and subsequently taken into custody. Their mechanized trawler was seized and transported to the Karainagar Naval Base in northern Sri Lanka.

On the same day, a total of 415 fishing tokens were issued, allowing local fishermen to fish in the sea, with most boats expected to return by Tuesday evening. However, the news of the arrests quickly spread, causing fear and uncertainty among the families of the fishermen.

Community Response

V.P. Jesu Raja, a representative of the fishermen's association in Rameswaram, condemned the arrests, stating that the ongoing detentions have caused significant distress within the community.

“Despite our repeated appeals, our concerns regarding livelihood are consistently overlooked. It is crucial for the governments of India and Sri Lanka to engage in serious discussions to reach a lasting resolution,” he emphasized.

Recent Trends in Detentions

Fishermen's representatives noted that this marks the third incident in less than two weeks, with at least 13 fishermen arrested and three trawlers confiscated during this period.

Many of those previously detained were released only after paying substantial fines imposed by Sri Lankan courts, leading to financial difficulties for their families.

“With our boats taken and legal costs rising, survival is becoming increasingly challenging. We live in constant fear and uncertainty every time we venture out to sea,” Jesu Raja added, calling on the Union government to take immediate action to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their vessels.