14 fishermen under custody of Sri Lankan police
The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 14 Indian fishermen for allegedly crossing into Sri Lankan waters and engaging in fishing activities, in the latest escalation of the longstanding maritime tensions across the Palk Strait.
According to reports, the fishermen were apprehended on 6th March while operating in the sea region. Their vessel was intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy, and they were subsequently transferred to the Thalaimannar naval base before being handed over to the Mannar District Fisheries Department on 7th March for further legal proceedings.
The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has since dispatched officials to Mannar to meet with the detained fishermen and provide them with necessary assistance.
14 fishermen under custody of Sri Lankan police
The Mannar District Fisheries Department is currently conducting further investigations, and the fishermen are expected to be presented before the Mannar Magistrate’s Court following the completion of inquiries.
This latest incident underscores the persistent tensions between Tamil Nadu’s fishing community and the Sri Lankan authorities, with Indian fishermen frequently accused of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters. The Sri Lankan Navy has intensified patrols and arrests in recent years, leading to a series of diplomatic engagements between Colombo and New Delhi.
The arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy is a recurring issue, with Sri Lankan authorities clashing and arresting fishermen, who often facing lengthy legal battles before being released. The latest detentions come amidst broader concerns regarding the treatment of Tamil Nadu’s fishing community by Sri Lankan authorities, particularly in light of past allegations of harassment and excessive force by the Sri Lankan Navy.
14 fishermen under custody of Sri Lankan police
The issue remains a sensitive point in India-Sri Lanka relations, with Tamil Nadu’s political leadership frequently urging New Delhi to intervene and secure the release of detained fishermen. Tamil political parties in India have criticised both the Sri Lankan government’s aggressive enforcement policies and the Indian government’s perceived lack of assertiveness in addressing the issue.
In the past, fishermen’s protests have erupted in Tamil Nadu, demanding the return of seized boats and the release of their colleagues from Sri Lankan custody. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s increasing militarisation of Tamil areas, particularly the North-East, has led to accusations that the state is using these maritime disputes as a pretext to suppress Tamil fishermen on both sides of the border.
While both Colombo and New Delhi have held multiple discussions on the issue, a long-term solution remains elusive. Efforts to introduce joint fishing agreements, demarcate fishing zones, and provide alternative livelihoods have yet to materialise into effective policies.
For Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, the continued risk of arrest and seizure of their livelihoods remains a pressing concern.