RAMESHWARAM: Tension erupted at Rameshwaram fishing port on Thursday after local fishermen captured a mechanised fishing boat from Karaikal, Puducherry late on Thursday night near the Dhanushkodi coast.
Fishermen alleged that mechanised boats operating from Karaikal are
fishing close to the coast instead of in deep-sea areas. They claim that
these boats are catching large quantities of fish, severely affecting the
livelihoods of country boat and motorboat fishermen in the coastal
districts of Tamil Nadu.
In addition to depleting marine resources, the Karaikal-based fishermen
are reportedly using deep-sea fishing nets in Sri Lankan waters. This has
resulted in damage to fishing gear, including nets belonging to Sri Lankan
fishermen.
Following complaints from Sri Lankan fishermen, the Sri Lankan
government has been seizing Indian fishing boats through the Sri Lankan
Navy. Rameswaram fishermen have been the worst affected by these
seizures.
Despite repeated complaints from Tamil Nadu fishermen, Karaikal
fishermen allegedly continue such fishing practices, further threatening
the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Amid this situation, Rameswaram fishermen intercepted a Karaikal fishing
boat that was fishing near the Dhanushkodi coast late last night. The
seized boat was later brought and parked at the Rameswaram Fishing
Port.
The fishermen from the southern districts demanded a permanent
solution to the issue, stating that their livelihoods remain under serious
threat due to repeated violations by Karaikal fishermen. They subsequently
handed over the seized boat, along with the 14 Karaikal fishermen onboard to the Rameswaram Fisheries Department authorities.
Meanwhile, in December last year, three Indian fishermen were
apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen went fishing in a boat
with the registration number IND-TN-11-MM-96 belonging to A Joseph, a
member of Mandapam, from the northern coast of Mandapam. While they
were fishing near Neduntheevu in the Palk Strait, the Sri Lankan Navy
arrived in the area and, claiming that they had crossed the border, arrested he three fishermen and confiscated their boat.