Fisherfolk Demand Immediate Release of Arrested Indian Fishermen in Rameswaram Protest

Fisherfolk and leaders protested in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, demanding the release of 74 Indian fishermen and 170 seized boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. They also called for compensation and emphasized fishing rights in traditional areas, with significant political support rallying behind their cause.

Fisherfolk, along with numerous leaders, staged a protest in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on Friday to demand the immediate release of 74 Indian fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy this year. Demonstrators also sought the release of 170 steamboats and fishing boats seized by the Lankan authorities.

The protesters appealed for the release of six fishermen, already sentenced to various terms in Sri Lankan jails. Since 2018, the Sri Lankan Navy has seized these boats, creating a desperate situation for the Tamil Nadu fishing community.

The fisherfolk demanded compensation for damages from both state and central governments and emphasized their right to fish in the traditional Kachchthivu area without hindrance. The protest featured prominent local leaders such as Ramanathapuram's Assembly Member K. Muthuramalingam and Kanyakumari MP Vijayvasant, drawing thousands of supporters.

The protest was further fueled by recent incidents of Sri Lankan Navy arrests, including 13 fishermen near Delft Island and 26 fishermen near the Palk Bay area. Sri Lanka's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya acknowledged the issue, citing historical suffering as a contributing factor to the ongoing tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)