Navy arrests 17 Indian fishers, seizes two boats in Mannar
The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard seized two Indian fishing boats and arrested 17 Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, during an operation conducted in the sea area North of Mannar in the dark hours of Monday (23).
The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.
The North Central Naval Command spotted a cluster of Indian fishing boats engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters. In response, the Northern Naval Command and Coast Guard deployed its Fast Attack Craft and North Central Naval Command its Inshore Patrol Craft to drive away those Indian fishing boats poaching in the sea area North of Mannar. The operation resulted in the seizure of two Indian boats and arrest of 17 Indian fishermen who continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters.
The two seized boats together with 17 Indian fishermen were brought to the Talaimannar Pier and they will be handed over to the Mannar Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.
Including this operation, the Navy has held 72 Indian fishing boats and 554 Indian fishermen in island waters thus far in 2024, and handed them over to authorities for legal action.
Daily News lk December 25, 2024
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| 17 Indian fishermen arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters |
17 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka repatriated
COLOMBO: Seventeen Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly poaching in the island nation's waters have been repatriated, according to the Indian mission here.
Fishermen from both countries are arrested frequently for inadvertently trespassing into each other's waters.
"Homecoming! 17 Indian fishermen have been successfully repatriated and are on their way to Tamil Nadu, India," the High Commission of India here said in a post on X on Friday.
Press Trust Of India -PTI 25-12-2024
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CM Stalin urges centre to uphold the rights of our (Tamil Nadu) fishing communities
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has sought urgent intervention from the centre after the arrest of 17 fishermen from Rameswaram and the seizure of their boats by the Sri Lankan navy. Stalin also highlighted attacks on fishermen from Nagapattinam, urging diplomatic action to ensure their safety and secure the release of detained individuals and boats.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday called for swift action from the central government regarding the arrest of 17 fishermen from Rameswaram by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen and their two mechanised boats were detained on December 24.
Stalin conveyed his concerns in a letter to External affairs minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic efforts for their release.
The chief minister also drew attention to two incidents from 20 December, where fishermen from Kodiyakkarai in Nagapattinam district faced attacks at sea. Six unidentified Sri Lankan nationals allegedly injured three fishermen and looted their fishing gear, including GPS devices, VHF equipment, mobile phones, and their catch.
Stalin expressed alarm over the growing dangers faced by Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities. "In 2024 alone, 530 fishermen were arrested and 71 boats have been confiscated till date. The recent apprehensions and attacks have created a sense of fear among the fishing folks who are solely dependent on fishing for their livelihood," he added.
Stalin appealed to the centre to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats. He also stressed the need for measures to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of fishermen.
“This situation demands urgent attention to uphold the rights and livelihoods of our fishing communities,” Stalin emphasised in his letter to Jaishankar.
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