Protests in Tamil Nadu Over Detention of 17 Fishermen in Sri Lanka

September 30, 2024

Fishermen in Tamil Nadu protest on Sunday against the Sri Lankan Navy's detention of 17 Indian fishermen and the seizure of two boats off the coast of Rameswaram. Demonstrators, including men and women, gathered in the streets to voice their concerns, chanting slogans and calling for action.

The detained fishermen, identified as residents of Thangachimadam, had reportedly been fishing in the Palk Bay area when they were arrested near Neduntheevu on September 29. They had set out to sea with permission from the local Fisheries Department the day prior.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urging intervention for the fishermen's release. In his letter, Stalin highlighted that such incidents create "serious distress and uncertainty" among coastal communities, pointing out the need for proactive diplomatic measures.

This incident follows a previous case where 37 Tamil fishermen were detained by Sri Lankan authorities while attempting to rescue a distressed Sri Lankan boat. The ongoing arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy continue to raise significant concerns for both Tamil Nadu government and central governments in India.