November 12, 2024
3 mins read

Sri Lankan Navy arrests 23 Tamil fishers for crossing IMBL

Along with the fishermen, the Navy also seized three mechanised boats, according to Tamil Nadu coastal police authorities…reports Asian Lite News

he Sri Lankan Navy arrested 23 Tamil fishermen early on Sunday morning for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Along with the fishermen, the Navy also seized three mechanised boats, according to Tamil Nadu coastal police authorities.

Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly arrested 425 Tamil fishermen and seized 58 boats. Many of these fishermen are currently held in Sri Lankan jails.

Anbumani Ramadoss, President of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and a former Union Minister, has urged the Union External Affairs Minister to address these ongoing mid-sea arrests of Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Union External Affairs Minister raised this issue with the Sri Lankan government, urging them to take steps to prevent further arrests and boat seizures.

In response to these ongoing arrests, fishermen association leaders in Tamil Nadu are organising large-scale protests across the state.

A. Thajudhin, the General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, stated that fishermen associations across the coastal districts are mobilising to protest the frequent arrests.

He noted, “The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat, and thousands who rely on fishing and related activities are facing severe hardship. A sense of fear has already taken hold among fishermen and their families regarding venturing out to sea.”

Thajudhin further explained that the new Sri Lankan government is in the process of nationalising mechanised fishing boats seized from Tamil fishermen in mid-sea.

According to him, this action will devastate the fishing industry, as many fishermen took loans to purchase these expensive boats, expecting to repay them through their livelihood.

In response, the fishermen’s association has written to the Prime Minister, urging him to intervene and address the issue with the Sri Lankan government. They are requesting an end to the practice of mid-sea arrests and the seizure of costly mechanised boats that are critical to Tamil fishermen’s livelihoods.

K. M. Periasamy, a fishermen leader from Ramanathapuram, highlighted the emotional toll on the fishermen’s families.

“Families are in deep distress due to regular arrests and attacks in mid-sea by the Sri Lankan Navy,” he said, adding, “We are planning to meet with the Prime Minister and the Union External Affairs Minister to discuss the issues affecting our people.”

“The seizure of mechanised boats is financially crippling families who have no means to repay the loans taken to purchase these boats.” He emphasised that Tamil fishermen venture into high seas for fishing and not for any unlawful activities, urging the Indian government to address this matter at the highest level with Sri Lankan authorities.

Despite these discussions, the arrests have continued, prompting fishermen associations in Tamil Nadu to plan significant protests across the coastal districts of the state.

It may also be recalled that on August 1, 2023, an Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu died after his fishing boat capsised following a collision with a Sri Lankan coastal patrol vehicle.

The deceased was identified as Malaisamy (59), while the missing fisherman was Ramachandran (64). Two other fishermen, M. Mookiah (54) and Muthu Muniandi (56), were arrested but later handed over to Indian authorities.

Meanwhile, in a latest development, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 12 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu near Paruthurai on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Tamil Nadu coastal police officials said that they were arrested in the wee hours of Tuesday.

This arrest comes shortly after a public statement by Sri Lanka’s new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who expressed concerns about Indian fishermen allegedly depleting Sri Lankan marine resources by fishing illegally in the island nation’s waters.

The President has vowed to take firm action against such incursions.

ALSO READ: ‘India’s approach aimed at building long-term partnerships’ 

Previous Story

Russia rejects news about turning down Lanka’s BRICS bid 

Next Story

India’s Gaming Sector to Reach $9.2B by FY29

Latest from -Top News

Hasina Accuses Yunus Govt of Aiding Terrorism

Speaking to Awami League supporters online from India on Monday, she Hasina, “I will return, and the killers will be brought to justice in Bangladesh….reports Asian Lite News The ousted Prime Minister

Bangladesh Seeks Fresh Talks on Ganges Treaty

Even though India continues to bat for the normalisation of relations between the two neighbouring countries, the current regime in Dhaka has faced massive criticism for making groundless accusations…reports Asian Lite News

Uniting Global Artistry In Dubai’s Heart

Art events are no more about showcasing art, it is about connecting and collaborating, and bringing artists and collectors n an engaging manner … A special report by Soniya Kirpalani, Photographs/ Video:

India-Philippines Bond Shines in Cebu

India and the Philippines have collaborated on sustaining and consolidating their cultural relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations…reports Asian Lite News To mark 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and
Go toTop

Don't Miss

He has made 251 trips to jail but is not a ‘criminal’

Mehrotra, 66, an alumnus of Lucknow University, has had a

US diplomats meet political leaders in Kashmir

Govt sources said the visit is part of a diplomatic