Twelve fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan waters, intensifying concerns among the coastal community in Tamil Nadu.
According to fisheries department sources, the fishermen had ventured into the sea from Pamban fishing harbour in Ramanathapuram district. The group, travelling in a mechanised boat owned by a fisherman identified as David, was reportedly fishing in the waters between Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar when a Sri Lankan naval patrol intercepted them.
The Sri Lankan Navy personnel allegedly surrounded the boat, detained all 12 fishermen and seized the vessel. The boat was later taken to the naval camp at Thalaimannar, where the fishermen are said to be under interrogation.
Frequent arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen and seizure of their boats by Sri Lankan authorities have severely affected their livelihoods, with fishing associations repeatedly urging both the State and Union governments to secure their release and find a permanent solution to the long-pending issue.
The latest arrests have triggered anxiety among the families of the detained fishermen and members of the fishing community, who have appealed for immediate diplomatic intervention to ensure their safe return.
