Ten Indian fishermen from Karaikkal in Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Thursday. The mechanised boat they were fishing in was also seized.
The fishermen have been taken to the Sri Lankan Navy's Kankesanthurai camp for further questioning and investigation.
Since June 16, 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has reportedly arrested 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and confiscated 58 costly mechanised boats. Many of these fishermen remain detained in Sri Lankan jails, sparking widespread protests and calls for government intervention.
During a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Union External Affairs Minister raised the issue with the Sri Lankan government, urging them to prevent further arrests and boat seizures. However, despite these discussions, the arrests have continued, intensifying fears within the fishing community.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, in a letter to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, urged immediate diplomatic efforts for the release of all Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, along with their mechanised boats.
In his letter dated December 24, CM Stalin sought intervention for the release of 17 fishermen recently arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy. He also pointed out that two mechanised boats, bearing registration numbers IND-TN10-MM-206 and IND-TN10-MM-543, were in the custody of the Sri Lankan Navy.
CM Stalin emphasised that frequent arrests and attacks make the lives of Tamil Nadu fishermen, who depend solely on fishing in traditional waters, highly uncertain and dangerous.
He expressed concerns that the recent apprehensions and attacks have created a climate of fear among the fishing community.
The Chief Minister urged the Union External Affairs Minister to take concerted diplomatic steps to secure the immediate release of all arrested fishermen and their boats.
CM Stalin also requested diplomatic measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. In the same letter, the Chief Minister highlighted two separate incidents of attacks on fishermen from Kodiyakkarai village in Nagapattinam. On December 20, six unidentified Sri Lankan nationals allegedly attacked three out of six fishermen who had ventured out in two country crafts. The attackers reportedly robbed the fishermen of their belongings, including GPS equipment, VHF equipment, fishing nets, mobile phones, and their fish catch. The CM termed the incident “outrageous” and called for immediate intervention to protect the rights and safety of Indian fishermen.
AFSPA extended in Manipur, parts of Nagaland, Arunachal for another 6 months
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act for another six months in certain parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, officials said, adding that further extension of the law would be effective from April 1.
PM Modi slams Cong for decades of 'neglect' & underdevelopment in Chhattisgarh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly criticised the previous Congress governments for years of neglect towards Chhattisgarh, accusing it of plunging the state into a prolonged era of darkness and underdevelopment.
Navy ships from Andaman to carry relief material to quake-hit Myanmar
Indian Navy ships Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command will also be sailing for Yangon on Sunday to boost ‘Operation Brahma’ to render assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar.
IAF’s Su-30 MKI to display skills in multinational exercise in Greece
Aiming to hone skills against a dozen other counterparts, including the US, Israel, and France, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, starting in Greece from Monday, an official said.
PM Modi lays foundation stone for 800 MW Sipat III power project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Sipat stage-III, an advanced 800 MW ultra-supercritical power single unit on Sunday, by remotely pressing a button during a ceremony held in Mohbhatta village, Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh.
Building a developed, inclusive Bharat will be true tribute to Babasaheb: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that a developed and inclusive Bharat will be the true tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar and will take the country to new heights of progress with his values and teachings.
Another haul of areca nuts smuggled from Myanmar seized in Mizoram
Assam Rifles, along with Customs, have seized a large consignment of smuggled areca nuts, also known as Burmese Betel nuts, valued at Rs 1.79 crore in Mizoram, officials said on Sunday.