Tamil Nadu Fishermen Arrested in Sri Lankan Waters

Tensions have flared once again in the Palk Strait as the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 14 fishermen from Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred early Monday when the fishermen, who had set sail from Tharangambadi, Mayiladuthurai district, on Saturday aboard a mechanized fishing vessel, reportedly drifted into Sri Lankan territorial waters. Sources indicate that the vessel experienced a mechanical snag while at sea, causing it to move inadvertently towards the Sri Lankan coast near Point Pedro. Sri Lankan naval units on routine patrol detected the intruding vessel and took the 14 fishermen into custody. Their boat was also seized, and the crew was transported to the Kankesanthurai Naval Base in northern Sri Lanka for further interrogation. Leaders of fishermen’s associations have expressed grave concern over the arrests, asserting that the fishermen did not intentionally violate the maritime boundary. They are appealing to the Indian government to initiate diplomatic dialogues with Colombo for the immediate release of their fellow fishermen. Such recurring incidents underscore the ongoing difficulties and the critical need for a permanent resolution to the fishing disputes between the two nations. Authorities in Tamil Nadu have informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo and are working with Sri Lankan officials to secure the fishermen’s release on humanitarian grounds.