14 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy
Adjournment motion in Lok Sabha
Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Monday moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the arrest of 14 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Fishermen detained near IMBL
In his notice, Tagore highlighted that on February 9, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 14 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). He stated that these fishermen, operating from two boats, were arrested while fishing near the IMBL despite no substantial evidence of illegal activity. They were subsequently taken to Sri Lanka for legal proceedings.
Recurring incidents of fishermen detentions
The Congress MP emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, pointing out that in recent weeks, the Sri Lankan Navy had detained Indian fishermen on multiple occasions, including on February 3 and January 26. Additionally, he referred to an incident on January 28 near Delft Island, where a Sri Lankan Navy firing injured five Indian fishermen, two of whom were seriously wounded. Tagore expressed concern that the continuous arrests and harassment were severely affecting the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Rameswaram and Mandapam, causing distress to the fishing communities.
Demand for immediate action
He urged the central government to act promptly by exerting pressure on Sri Lanka for the release of the 14 detained fishermen along with their boats while such incidents do not repeat again. He further claimed that urgent discussions should be held with Sri Lanka to ensure the resolution of the current issue, enhance surveillance, and provide adequate support for Indian fishermen in disputed waters.
Details of arrested fishermen
The Sri Lankan Navy confirmed that 14 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu were arrested on Sunday for allegedly entering Sri Lankan waters.
Those arrested include A John Bose (39), R Anthony Isrose (20), A Nilakaran (44), N Nigithan (16), T Jesu Poongavanam (42), S Anthony Santhiya (19), M Kaarlose (21), S Nishanth (38), T Tuwiston (21), Ayyavu, R Anthony Dimac (34), S Arulandham (43), A Jelestin (55), and V Anthony Aaron (38). Police are investigating into the incident of Mannar Naval Camp, and it has also caused unrest in the fishermen's community of Rameswaram.
Call for government intervention
Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi on Friday urged the central government to take immediate steps to secure the release of 97 Tamil Nadu fishermen who have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.