35 Tamil Nadu, Puducherry Fishermen Arrested by Sri Lankan Navy Near Rameswaram

In another maritime flashpoint, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 35 Indian fishermen, including 31 from Tamil Nadu and 4 from Puducherry, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) near Rameswaram. The arrests have reignited calls for a long-term diplomatic resolution to recurring fishing disputes in the region.

Fishermen Detained and Handed Over to Jaffna Authorities

According to reports, the detained fishermen were taken to the Kangesanthurai Navy Camp for questioning and later handed over to the Jaffna Fisheries Department for further inquiry. Following interrogation, they were produced before a court and are likely to face imprisonment.

The Sri Lankan Navy also seized several fishing boats belonging to the arrested crew, sparking widespread concern among coastal communities.

Political Outrage in Tamil Nadu

Reacting to the incident, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss criticized both the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre, accusing them of inaction.

“Merely writing letters to the Central Government is not enough,” he said. “When attacks and arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen have become routine, concrete diplomatic efforts must be made for a permanent solution.”

Ramadoss urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to call a meeting with ministers, fishermen’s representatives, and officials, and personally meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to push for decisive action.

Actor Vijay Voices Concern

TVK chief and actor Vijay also expressed anguish over the arrests on social media platform X, stating that the news “causes deep anguish to the heart.”

“The arrest of 35 of our fishermen brothers from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and the seizure of their boats is heartbreaking,” Vijay said. “I urge both the Union and State Governments to secure their immediate release and ensure such incidents never recur.”

Recent Diplomatic Talks

This latest episode comes just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the fishermen issue with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in October. The discussion followed a request from Chief Minister MK Stalin, who had written to the Prime Minister seeking intervention to protect Tamil Nadu’s fishermen from repeated detentions.

A Recurring Crisis

Arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have become a persistent issue, with both nations locked in disputes over fishing rights and maritime boundaries in the Palk Strait. Despite periodic talks and diplomatic exchanges, incidents continue to strain bilateral relations and disrupt livelihoods across coastal Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

As tensions simmer, families of the detained fishermen await news of their release. With growing public pressure and political voices demanding action, both New Delhi and Colombo face renewed calls to find a permanent, humane solution to the decades-old maritime crisis.