Daijiworld Media Network- Rameswaram

Rameswaram, Mar 7: In yet another instance of maritime tensions, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 14 Indian fishermen from Pamban for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing. According to the Rameswaram Fishermen Association, the detained fishermen were taken to the Mannar Naval Base for investigation.

The Sri Lankan Navy, which was patrolling the area, intercepted five boats belonging to Indian fishermen and apprehended those on board for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

This latest arrest follows a series of similar incidents. On February 27, 25 Indian fishermen who had been arrested earlier for crossing the IMBL were repatriated and arrived at Chennai International Airport. Visuals showed their return, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing issue of fishermen straying across borders.

Earlier, on February 23, 32 Indian fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in Palk Bay, and their boats were seized. Tamil Nadu fishermen had ventured into the sea with 440 boats when Sri Lankan patrol boats intercepted and detained some of them.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of arrests, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the Central Government to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) to find a permanent solution to the issue. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Stalin highlighted that despite repeated diplomatic efforts, the Sri Lankan Navy continues to detain Indian fishermen.

He pointed out that in eight separate incidents in 2025, a total of 119 Indian fishermen and 16 boats have been seized by Sri Lankan authorities. Stalin emphasized the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to secure the release of the fishermen and ensure their safety.