In a recent incident, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 22 fishermen from Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai district for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The arrest occurred as the fishermen ventured near Sri Lanka’s Neduntheevu island.
The fishermen, who set sail on Saturday aboard 74 boats, found themselves intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy, resulting in the seizure of three boats and the subsequent arrest of 22 individuals.
Following the apprehension, the fishermen were escorted to Kangesan Port for further investigation by Sri Lankan authorities. This incident adds to a series of occurrences where Indian fishermen have been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for purportedly trespassing into Sri Lankan waters and engaging in fishing activities.
The arrest of 22 Tamil Nadu fishermen underscores the ongoing challenges faced by fisherfolk navigating the waters between India and Sri Lanka. Incidents of maritime boundary violations and subsequent detentions have been recurrent, reflecting the complexities surrounding fishing rights and territorial waters in the region.
This recent development echoes a similar incident in January, where the Sri Lankan Navy detained 10 fishermen and seized their trawler on allegations of poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
As tensions persist over maritime disputes, the plight of fishermen caught in the crossfire underscores the need for diplomatic efforts and mutual cooperation to address territorial issues and ensure the safety and livelihoods of fishing communities on both sides of the border.