Daijiworld Media Network - Rameswaram

Rameswaram, Mar 26: Seven fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy early Thursday on allegations of poaching in the Palk Bay, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. Two mechanised trawlers, reportedly owned by Simson and Sasikumar, were also seized during the operation.

Officials from the fisheries department noted that 365 fishing tokens had been issued at the Rameswaram fish landing centre on Wednesday, March 25. The detained fishermen were part of two boats operating near the Neduntheevu islet when intercepted and later escorted to a Sri Lankan naval port for legal proceedings.

The arrests sparked protests in Thangachimadam, where local fishermen gathered near the Karl Marx statue, raising slogans against the Sri Lankan government and demanding the immediate release of the detained fishermen and their vessels.

Fishermen’s associations have called on the Union government to intervene, warning that repeated detentions are severely impacting livelihoods. An emergency meeting of local fishing representatives is scheduled for 4 p.m. to determine the next course of action.

Fishermen leader Jesu Raja highlighted that the community has faced such challenges for over four decades, with nearly 90% of families dependent on fishing. He stressed the importance of safeguarding traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay. Another fisherman, Antony, questioned why arrests continue despite India and Sri Lanka maintaining friendly ties, noting that over 180 boats have been impounded since 2018, pushing many families into debt and unemployment, with each mechanised trawler costing around Rs 40 lac.