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The Sri Lankan Navy on Saturday apprehended nine fishermen from Rameswaram along with their fishing boat near Neduntheevu after claiming that their vessel had allegedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line, triggering unrest among fishermen in the coastal town.
According to officials, fewer than 400 boats had left the Rameswaram fishing port for fishing on Saturday. Later in the evening, nine fishermen who were fishing near Neduntheevu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy along with the vessel. The latest apprehension has caused concern among the Rameswaram fishing community, with fishermen's representatives calling for immediate intervention by the Central and Tamil Nadu governments. Karalmarks, President of the Fisherman Association, said the fishermen had ventured into the sea after obtaining the required pass permits from the Rameswaram token office and strongly condemned their arrest. "Today, 9 fishermen and one boat, who had set out to sea after securing pass permits at the Rameswaram token office, were arrested by the Sri Lankan government. This is something that must be strongly condemned. Its unclear what the central and state governments are even doing," Karalmarks said. Highlighting the difficulties faced by fishing families, the Fisherman Association president called for talks between fishermen from both countries to find a lasting arrangement that would allow them to carry out their livelihood without repeated arrests. "Fishermen venture into the sea merely to fill their bellies and alleviate their families' hardships and difficult situations. This has become a recurring sagais there no end to this? Cant the central and state governments invite fishermen from both countries for talks to make arrangements so they can fish peacefully? Can Prime Minister Modi, who accomplishes such grand feats, not resolve this issue for our country?" he said. Karalmarks further alleged that the situation was making it increasingly difficult for fishermen to sustain their livelihoods. "This government is creating a situation where it is impossible for fishermen to survive. Are we not allowed to live here in peace?" he said. He urged both governments to intervene immediately to secure the release of the fishermen and retrieval of the seized boat. "We demand through this platform that the central and state governments intervene immediately to retrieve our boat and rescue our fishermen. Otherwise, we hereby convey that we will take to the streets to protest for our livelihood and save ourselves," Karalmarks said. The latest incident comes amid continued instances of Tamil Nadu fishermen being detained by Sri Lankan authorities over alleged violations of the maritime boundary. Earlier in August, seven Tamil Nadu fishermen who had been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line were released and arrived at Chennai Airport. Following their release by Sri Lankan authorities, the seven fishermen were handed over to officials of the Indian High Commission in Colombo before subsequently travelling to Chennai. (ANI)
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