CHENNAI: PMK founder S Ramadoss has urged the Union Government to take urgent steps to secure the immediate release of all Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.

He said that on December 22, over 300 mechanised boats sailed from the Rameswaram fishing harbour with valid permits. While more than 60 boats were fishing near the Indian maritime boundary late at night, Sri Lankan Navy personnel patrolling from the Gulf of Mannar chased the fishermen away.

"They allegedly surrounded some boats, arrested 12 fishermen and seized their vessels. The fishermen were taken to the Mannar naval camp and later handed over to Sri Lankan fisheries officials, who booked them on charges such as cross-border fishing and use of banned nets. After being produced before a court, they were lodged in Vavuniya prison, " he added.

Condemning the incident, fishermen's families staged a road blockade on the Madurai–Rameswaram National Highway on December 23, while Rameswaram fishermen staged a strike of work. A protest has also been planned near the Rameswaram bus stand on December 26.

Ramadoss said repeated arrests, assaults and seizure of boats have severely affected the livelihood of fishermen and caused fear and hardship among their families. While India continues to extend financial and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, he stressed that the Centre must ensure the safety of Indian fishermen.

He called for a permanent, mutually acceptable solution to the issue and demanded the immediate release of all detained fishermen.

In another statement, Ramadoss urged the state government to re-erect statues of Periyar and Ambedkar, which were removed for road expansion works in Vadalur.