8 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for crossing maritime border
Eight Indian fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing the international maritime boundary on Sunday. One mechanised boat was also seized in the operation.Around 3,000 fishermen had ventured out to sea in 370 boats from Rameswaram. While returning, several of them claimed they were surrounded by Sri Lankan Navy patrol boats near the North Mannar region. advertisementAmidst the chaos, eight fishermen were arrested and taken to the Thalaimannar Naval Camp. They are expected to be produced before a magistrate and subsequently remanded to prison.
In a separate incident, another group of Indian fishermen anchored between Katchatheevu and Dhanushkodi reported being targeted by the Sri Lankan Navy. Fishermen allege that personnel from the Lankan side damaged fishing nets and other equipment on at least 20 boats.Reacting to the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention. "It has been reported that the Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended a mechanised fishing boat bearing registration number IND-TN-10-MM-773 along with 8 fishermen from Rameswaram on July 29. Such incidents lead to loss of boats and equipment, prolonged detentions, and exact a heavy psychological toll on the affected families. I request your early intervention to ensure the safe repatriation of the arrested fishermen and their boat," CM Stalin wrote in his letter.advertisement"With the annual fishing ban period now concluded and the season having just resumed, our fishermen have returned to sea with hopes of earning a livelihood. Considering that the fishing season has just begun, I urge the Ministry to initiate proactive diplomatic engagement with the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure restraint and mutual understanding in the handling of fishing-related issues', the Chief Minister added.- Ends
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