The Sri Lankan Navy has detained a total of 32 Tamil fishermen in two distinct incidents, accusing them of breaching the International Maritime boundary separating India and Sri Lanka. This development has sparked contemplation among several fishermen regarding the prospect of boycotting the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.
Expressing deep concern for the security of their livelihoods, the fishermen have voiced their frustration over the repetitive occurrences of arrests and confiscations carried out by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Reports indicate that 25 fishermen were apprehended near Neduntheevu, accompanied by the seizure of three boats. Furthermore, in a separate incident, seven fishermen hailing from Rameswaram found themselves detained in the Mannar region, alongside the confiscation of two boats.
Subsequently, the arrested fishermen and the confiscated vessels were handed over to the authorities of the Jaffna Fisheries Department.
Emerald, Secretary of the Rameswaram All Mechanised Boat Association, emphasized the recurring nature of this issue, highlighting the fishermen's apprehension towards venturing into the sea. He emphasized their innocence, stating that their activities were solely confined to fishing, disavowing any involvement in smuggling. Additionally, he lamented the staggering loss of 350 boats over the past decade.
The fishermen's dissatisfaction has led to significant actions, including the boycott of the two-day annual Katchatheevu festival in February by fishermen from Rameswaram. This decision stemmed from continuous harassment and arrests faced by Tamil fishermen for purportedly breaching the maritime boundary during fishing expeditions.
Against this backdrop, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene following the arrest of 23 fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on February 3.
