Four Rameswaram fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday morning for reportedly crossing the sea border while fishing at sea. Their motorboat has been confiscated, and they have been detained at the Mannar Naval Camp in Sri Lanka. There, the authorities stated that the arrested fishermen will soon be produced before a court of law.
This follows closely on the heels of five additional Tamil Nadu fishermen having been arrested off the mid-seas in addition to the troubles faced by the fishing community within the area.
Although shooting of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has decreased in recent years due to Tamil Nadu government pressure, arrest of fishermen, boat seizure, and imposition of large fines are still very frequent. In most instances, the seized boats are nationalised by Sri Lankan authorities, leading to heavy economic losses for the fishermen community.
Also read: MK Stalin holds meeting with Chief Secretary from hospital
While tension has entered into Rameswaram region, Rameswaram fishermen called upon the central government to undertake required measures for releasing the arrested fishermen by Sri Lanka Navy.
Addressing media, some of the fishermen from Rameswaram expressed, "The arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy is now a routine matter. They even attack us while fishing near Indian border. The central government must respond strongly to this. We have been suffering for years because of these transgressions. There has to be a permanent solution. The government should act immediately and return our people."
Follow us
