Chennai
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested four Indian fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for crossing the International Maritime Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in the Sri Lankan water area. These fishermen were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday. At that time fishermen landed in the sea with motorized boats for fishing in the sea. According to locals, the fishermen landed in the sea from Rameswaram Fishing Harbor. When the Sri Lankan Navy stopped him, he was catching fish in the middle of the sea.
The Navy has accused them of violating the International Marine Border Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lanka’s maritime field.
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested the four fishermen and also seized their boat. According to reports, all the detained fishermen have been taken to Mannar Naval Camp in Sri Lanka for further questioning.
The incident is part of a continuous order, in which the Sri Lankan officer is allegedly intensifying action on Indian fishermen entering his water area.
Fishermen have alleged that apart from arrests, the Sri Lankan government often seize their motor -powered boat. Many of these boats are later declared state property.
Such developments have created deep concern in the fishermen communities of Tamil Nadu, especially in coastal districts like Ramanathapuram. These fishermen are forced to catch fish in deep sea for livelihood. The Fisherman Association has strongly protested against the action of the Sri Lankan Navy. Along with this, both the Center and the Tamil Nadu government have demanded immediate intervention in the case. John Thomas, representative of the local Fisherman Association, said, “Diplomatic efforts should be made to resolve this old controversy. Repeated arrests have been in danger both our lives and livelihoods.” Due to such arrests, the communities of fishermen are living under the shadow of fear. Diplomatic efforts for permanent solution between India and Sri Lanka are still inconclusive.