Sri Lankan Navy Arrests 26 Indian Fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 26 Indian fishermen from Pamban, Tamil Nadu, and seized four boats, according to the Fishermen Association of Pamban. The fishermen were fishing near the Palk Bay sea area when they were apprehended. This incident has led to protests by the fishermen’s families, who participated in a road blockade to express their discontent.

Last week, the Sri Lankan Navy also arrested 22 Tamil Nadu fishermen near Neduntheevu in Sri Lankan waters and seized three boats. In response to these incidents, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene and convene the Joint Working Group to prevent further arrests and secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats.

Stalin emphasized that such arrests disrupt the livelihood of the fishermen and create fear and uncertainty within their community. The families of the arrested fishermen have urged both central and state governments to take swift action for their release.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar assured that the Indian High Commission in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna are actively working on these cases to ensure the early release of the detained fishermen. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the livelihood and humanitarian concerns of the Indian fishing community.