- Sri Lankan Navy arrests 34 Indian fishermen, seizes three trawlers in Mannar waters.
- Arrests occurred during routine patrols to curb illegal fishing on January 25 and 26.
- Fishermen’s associations demand the release of detainees and retrieval of seized boats.
- Tamil Nadu fishermen often detained for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.
- 41 Indian fishermen released earlier this week by Sri Lankan authorities.
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 34 Indian fishermen and seized three trawlers off the coast of Mannar district for alleged illegal fishing. The arrests occurred on January 25 and 26 during routine patrols aimed at protecting Sri Lankan maritime boundaries.
In two separate incidents, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 34 Indian fishermen for fishing illegally in Sri Lankan waters. Three trawlers owned by fishermen from Tamil Nadu were seized. The arrests took place off the northeastern coast of Mannar district during regular naval patrols.
The apprehended fishermen were handed over to local authorities for legal proceedings, the Navy confirmed. Reports by PTI indicate that the arrests aim to prevent illegal poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
Fishermen’s Associations Demand Action
Fishermen’s associations in Tamil Nadu have condemned these arrests, calling them a recurring issue. They urged the Indian government to take swift action to secure the fishermen’s release and ensure the retrieval of their boats.
The associations highlighted that heavy penalties for detained fishermen have had devastating economic impacts on local fishing communities.
In 2024 alone, Sri Lanka’s Navy detained 529 Indian fishermen for poaching in their maritime waters. Historical reports, including those from The New Indian Express, reveal that these incidents occasionally escalate, with fishermen being shot at or fined heavily.
Recent Developments
Earlier this week, the Indian High Commission confirmed the release of 41 Indian fishermen detained by Sri Lanka. Among these, eight were arrested on January 12, with two boats seized. This gesture has brought temporary relief to the affected families. However, the recurring arrests continue to strain India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations.
The issue of illegal fishing remains a sensitive subject between the two neighbouring nations. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu urge both governments to work toward an amicable resolution, including the retrieval of seized vessels and the prevention of future conflicts.