Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Monday moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, demanding a discussion on the arrest of 14 Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Tagore highlighted that the fishermen, hailing from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam, were detained on February 9 for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
In his notice, Tagore stated, “The fishermen were apprehended while fishing near the IMBL, operating from two boats. Despite a lack of significant evidence of illegal activity, they were arrested and taken to Sri Lanka for legal proceedings.”
The Congress MP emphasized that this is not an isolated incident, as the Sri Lankan Navy has detained Indian fishermen on multiple occasions in recent weeks, including on February 3 and January 26. He also pointed out that on January 28, five Indian fishermen were injured in a firing incident by the Sri Lankan Navy near Delft Island, with two of them suffering serious injuries.
“The repeated arrests and harassment are severely affecting the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen in Tamil Nadu, especially those in Rameswaram and Mandapam. This situation is causing unnecessary distress to our fishing communities,” Tagore said.
He further demanded that the Centre urgently press Sri Lanka for the release of the 14 detained fishermen and their boats, while taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“I urge the Centre to initiate discussions with Sri Lanka to resolve the issue and safeguard our fishermen’s interests. Strengthen surveillance and provide greater support to Indian fishermen operating in disputed waters. Immediate action is needed to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats,” he added.
The Sri Lankan Navy confirmed the arrest of the 14 fishermen, who were allegedly found fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The fishermen have been identified as A John Bose (39), R Anthony Isrose (20), A Nilakaran (44), N Nigithan (16), T Jesu Poongavanam (42), S Anthony Santhiya (19), M Kaarlose (21), S Nishanth (38), T Tuwiston (21), Ayyavu, R Anthony Dimac (34), S Arulandham (43), A Jelestin (55), and V Anthony Aaron (38). Authorities are investigating the matter at Mannar Naval Camp, and the incident has caused unrest among fishermen in Rameswaram.
Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi also called on the central government to take swift action to secure the release of 97 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
