CHENNAI: Three fishermen from Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing near Katchatheevu during early morning hours of Sunday, triggering fresh concerns over the safety and livelihood of Indian fishermen operating in the Palk Strait.
According to official sources, the fishermen had ventured out for routine fishing when Sri Lankan naval personnel intercepted their mechanised boat, alleging that it had crossed into Sri Lankan territorial waters.
The fishermen were subsequently taken into custody and shifted, along with their seized fishing vessel, to the Kankesanthurai naval camp in northern Sri Lanka for further questioning. The latest arrest has sparked anxiety among fishing communities in Ramanathapuram and adjoining coastal districts, where families depend almost entirely on deep-sea fishing for their livelihood.
Fishermen’s associations said such arrests have become alarmingly frequent in recent months, despite repeated appeals for a long-term diplomatic solution to the incident. Recently, ten fishermen from Ramanathapuram were arrested.