Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Mar 1: Fishermen in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, have intensified their indefinite hunger strike, demanding the release of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka and the return of their confiscated boats. The protest, which began on February 28 in Thangachimadam, continues despite heavy rainfall, with around 300 fishermen and their families participating.
Meanwhile, in Rameswaram, fishermen have been on an indefinite strike since February 23, protesting frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy. With the strike now in its seventh day, over 700 boats remain docked, severely affecting the local fishing economy and causing daily losses of ?1 crore, impacting over 10,000 workers.
According to P. Jesuraja, leader of the All Mechanised Boats Fishermen Association, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 32 fishermen from Ramanathapuram on February 23, seizing five mechanised boats for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). He also noted that since January 2025, 119 fishermen and 16 boats have been detained by Sri Lankan authorities.
Fishermen now fear venturing into the sea, leading to widespread uncertainty in the coastal communities. Fishermen’s associations across Tamil Nadu are planning large-scale protests, and discussions are underway to set a date for statewide demonstrations.
Antony John, a fishermen’s leader, urged the Union government to take immediate diplomatic action to secure the release of all detained fishermen, reclaim the confiscated boats, and establish a bilateral agreement with Sri Lanka to prevent further arrests. A letter has also been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for urgent intervention to protect fishermen’s livelihoods.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has pressed the central government to convene a Joint Working Group for a permanent resolution. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Stalin expressed concern over the rising frequency of arrests, urging the Indian government to take firm diplomatic steps to ensure fishermen’s safety and prevent further incidents.