19 Fishermen Return to Chennai After Release from Sri Lanka
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 14: 19 fishermen who were released from the custody of Sri Lanka have reached Chennai, according to a statement by the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka. The statement was made on Friday, following a one-day hunger strike by the fishermen community and villagers in Tharuvaikulam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, demanding the release of 22 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka stated, “Returning home to India! 19 Indian fishermen have been safely repatriated from Sri Lanka and are on their way back to Chennai.”
Murugan, one of the protestors, urged the central and state governments to cancel the fine imposed by the court on the fishermen and facilitate the recovery of two powerboats seized by the Sri Lankan Navy along with the release of 22 fishermen. “The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 22 fishermen who had gone fishing in two boats last month from Tharuvaikulam, Tuticorin district, claiming that they had entered Sri Lankan territory. The 22 fishermen were then handed over to the Kalpiti Fisheries Department. They were produced before the Puttalam District Kalpitiya Tourism Court later and have been lodged in the Wariyapola Jail. The trial is underway in the court there,” Murugan said.
According to the protestors, the Sri Lankan court has asked 12 fishermen aboard one of the boats to pay a fine of Rs 42 lakh (Rs 1.5 crore in Sri Lankan currency) and given them a six-month sentence in default of payment. The protestors have demanded relief from this fine.
Earlier, as per a letter written by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on September 7, 14 fishermen from Pudukkottai District along with their three mechanised fishing boats were taken into custody by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Doubts Revealed
Chennai -: Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the southeastern coast of India.
Sri Lanka -: Sri Lanka is an island country located to the south of India in the Indian Ocean. It is a separate country from India.
Tamil Nadu -: Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India. It is known for its rich culture, temples, and beautiful landscapes.
Sri Lankan Navy -: The Sri Lankan Navy is the naval branch of the armed forces of Sri Lanka. They patrol the waters around Sri Lanka to protect the country.
Hunger strike -: A hunger strike is a form of protest where people refuse to eat to show their strong disagreement with something. It is done to draw attention to their cause.
Thoothukudi district -: Thoothukudi district is a district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its port and pearl fishing.
Indian government -: The Indian government is the central authority that governs the country of India. It makes laws and decisions for the entire nation.
Fines -: Fines are money that people have to pay as a punishment for breaking a rule or law.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin -: MK Stalin is the current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India.
Pudukkottai District -: Pudukkottai District is another district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It has many historical sites and temples.
