Tamil Nadu Fishermen Arrested by Sri Lankan Navy: Political Leaders React

Around 35 fishermen from Pamban, Tamil Nadu, were arrested by the Sri Lankan navy for purportedly poaching in Lankan waters. The incident led to political reactions, condemning both state and central governments for inadequate measures to resolve the recurring issue.

Around 35 fishermen from Pamban in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district were apprehended by the Sri Lankan navy allegedly for poaching. Four country boats were impounded for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on Thursday, a senior fisheries department official stated on Friday. The fishermen, intercepted in the northwestern seas of Sri Lanka, south of Mannar, were handed over to Kalpitiya fisheries officials.

The arrest follows a Sri Lankan court's decision to release 13 previously detained fishermen. Condemning the latest arrests, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the central government for failing to ensure a lasting solution to the frequent arrests. He also accused the DMK government of not putting enough pressure on the Centre.

Palaniswami urged the central government to act swiftly to release the fishermen and their belongings and cautioned against using the Katchatheevu islet issue merely for election purposes. He called for permanent negotiations to resolve the challenges faced by fishermen.

(With inputs from agencies.)