Five fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line while fishing near Dhanushkodi. Their fishing boat was also seized by the naval personnel.
Fishermen from coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have repeatedly complained that the Sri Lankan Navy continues to arrest them, confiscate their boats and drive them away from traditional fishing areas, accusing them of crossing the maritime boundary. Fishermen say these incidents have severely affected their livelihood.
According to reports, the arrested fishermen had ventured into the sea from Rameswaram for fishing and were operating near the Dhanushkodi region when the Sri Lankan Navy intercepted them.
The fishermen were taken into custody and their boat was seized. They are expected to be handed over to officials of the Sri Lankan fisheries authorities in Mannar and later produced before a court.
