Synopsis
Forty-one fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were previously detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line, have returned to Chennai. This release highlights the ongoing issue of arrests faced by Indian fishermen in the region, prompting calls for government intervention.Key Takeaways
- 41 fishermen from Tamil Nadu released from Sri Lankan custody.
- They were detained for allegedly crossing the IMBL.
- Chief Minister Stalin urges action from the Union Government.
- Current concerns about the safety of fishermen persist.
- Fishermen associations demand an end to mid-sea arrests.
Chennai, Jan 22 (NationPress) Forty-one fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on September 8, 2024, for purportedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), have returned to Chennai Airport, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
The fishermen landed late Tuesday night following their release by the Sri Lankan authorities.
As per the Tamil Nadu coastal police, out of the 41 fishermen, 35 are from Ramanathapuram, while the remainder are from Nagapattinam and Pudukottai districts. After arriving, the fishermen went through citizenship verification, customs inspections, and other necessary formalities.
Officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department were present to welcome them and provided transportation to their hometowns via separate vehicles. This release comes on the heels of another group of 15 fishermen from Tamil Nadu who reached Chennai on January 16 after their own arrest by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The ongoing arrests of Indian fishermen have become a significant concern. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar brought up this issue during his talks with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake during his recent visit to India.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has persistently urged the Union Government to tackle the continued arrests and ensure the safety of the state's fishermen.
Fishermen associations in Tamil Nadu have orchestrated large protests across coastal districts, demanding decisive action. They have communicated with the Prime Minister, imploring him to intervene and stop the mid-sea arrests and the confiscation of mechanized fishing boats, which are essential for their livelihoods.
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President and former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has also called for greater intervention from the Indian government to avert further detentions.
At present, there are reportedly 504 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu in Sri Lankan custody, along with 48 mechanized fishing boats. The Sri Lankan government's decision to nationalize these seized boats has raised additional alarm.
A. Thajudhin, General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Meenavar Peravai, pointed out the increasing difficulties faced by fishermen and their families.
“The livelihood of our fishermen is under threat. Thousands of families reliant on fishing and related activities are struggling. A sense of fear now grips the fishing community about venturing out to sea,” he remarked.
Thajudhin elaborated on the detrimental effects of the Sri Lankan authorities nationalizing seized boats, stressing that many fishermen have incurred loans to buy these costly vessels.
“This decision will devastate the industry and leave many unable to repay their debts,” he cautioned.
Fishermen’s associations are continuing to organize protests, urging the government to take prompt action and resolve this escalating crisis.
