Daijiworld Media Network - Ramanathapuram
Ramanathapuram, Apr 9: Ten fishermen from Tamil Nadu were taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy on Thursday, accused of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters, reigniting tensions in the Palk Strait.
The fishermen, all from the Pamban fishing harbour in Ramanathapuram district, had set out for their routine fishing expedition. They were reportedly operating in waters between Dhanushkodi and Talaimannar—a zone frequently witnessing maritime disputes due to its proximity to the boundary.
According to officials, a Sri Lankan naval patrol intercepted the mechanised fishing boat during the operation. The crew surrounded the vessel, alleging that the fishermen had illegally entered Sri Lankan waters. All ten fishermen were subsequently detained.
The fishermen, along with their confiscated boat, were transported to the Sri Lankan naval camp in Talaimannar, where interrogation has begun. Authorities are expected to pursue further legal action under Sri Lankan maritime law. The seizure of the boat has raised concerns about the economic consequences for the families who rely on it for their livelihood.
The incident has caused alarm and distress among the fishermen’s families and the wider fishing community in Tamil Nadu. Fishermen’s associations have condemned the arrest, urging intervention from both the state and Union governments to secure the immediate release of the detainees.
Calls have also been renewed for a permanent diplomatic resolution, including clearly defined maritime boundaries, regulated fishing access, and protection of traditional fishing rights in the Palk Strait. The repeated arrests, boat seizures, and occasional nationalisation of vessels by Sri Lankan authorities continue to threaten the livelihoods of many fishermen who depend entirely on daily catches.
With tensions simmering in the region, stakeholders are pressing for urgent bilateral dialogue between India and Sri Lanka to address both the humanitarian and economic impact of these disputes and prevent further escalation.