A group of Tamil Nadu fishermen, operating a fleet of 424 boats, encountered a challenging situation when they found themselves in a confrontation with the Sri Lankan Navy near Katchatheevu, situated off the coast of Rameshwaram. This incident unfolded as the Sri Lankan Navy deployed more than 10 high-speed boats to encircle the fishermen, resulting in a tense standoff that escalated rapidly.
The Sri Lankan Navy personnel accused the Tamil fishermen of breaching the boundaries of the International Maritime border, leading to allegations of potential arrests and eventually forcing the fishermen to vacate the vicinity. The fishermen's team, describing the situation as an instance of Sri Lankan Navy atrocities, recounted their distressing ordeal. Each of the 424 boats involved in the fishing expedition reported significant losses, collectively amounting to Rs 70,000.
Sagayam, a member of the fishermen's team, expressed his growing frustration with what he perceives as unchecked actions carried out by the Sri Lankan Navy. On a previous occasion, specifically on September 13, three boats hailing from Rameswaram, Jagathapattinam, and Nagapattinam were seized, leading to the arrest of 17 fishermen. In response to these events, a one-day protest was organized to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the fishermen.
Sagayam emphasized the pressing need for the Union Government to assert and reclaim the traditional fishing rights in the vicinity of Katchatheevu, with the aim of safeguarding the interests of the local fishermen who rely on these waters for their livelihoods. This action, he argued, is crucial for addressing the ongoing concerns and protecting the rights of the fishermen in the region.
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