The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 35 Indian fishermen, including 31 from Tamil Nadu and four from Puducherry, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line near Rameswaram. The fishermen were taken to the Kangesanthurai Navy Camp for questioning before being handed over to the Jaffna Fisheries Department. They were later produced in court and are expected to be sent to prison after inquiry.
The arrests have triggered strong political reactions in Tamil Nadu. PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss criticised both the state and central governments for their inaction, saying that simply writing letters to the Centre was not enough. “In a situation where attacks and arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have become routine, the Central and State governments have not taken steps to find a permanent solution,” Ramadoss told reporters.
He urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to hold a meeting with ministers and fishing representatives and to personally meet the Prime Minister to secure the fishermen’s release and ensure a long-term solution.
TVK chief and actor Vijay also expressed anguish over the arrests, calling for immediate action from both the Union and State governments. “The news that 35 of our fishermen brothers from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, and that three of their motorboats and one country boat have been seized, causes deep anguish,” Vijay wrote on X.
He demanded the early release of the fishermen and the return of their boats, stressing that the authorities must work to prevent such incidents from happening again.
This arrest comes just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the fishermen issue with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in October, following a request from Chief Minister Stalin to take up the matter at the highest level.
