Chennai, July 23: The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their fishing trawler. The fishermen are accused of allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters. This incident adds to the ongoing dispute over fishing rights between the two neighboring countries.
According to the Sri Lankan Navy, the arrests occurred during a maritime surveillance operation when they detected a large group of Indian fishing boats in Sri Lankan waters. Reports indicate that the fishermen were captured after entering the island nation’s waters without permission, north of Talaimannar.
The Navy stated that over 50 Indian fishing trawlers had reportedly intruded into Sri Lankan waters south of Iranativu, and they were engaged in fishing activities when the operation commenced. During this operation, one trawler was intercepted, and the nine fishermen aboard were taken into custody.
The seized vessel was also confiscated by the authorities. The arrested fishermen and the trawler were later handed over to the fisheries inspector in Mannar for further legal action under Sri Lankan fisheries laws.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the fishermen. These recent arrests come amid ongoing tensions surrounding the fishermen’s issue. The matter has been one of the most sensitive concerns in India-Sri Lanka relations.
Fishermen from Tamil Nadu have repeatedly sought access to traditional fishing grounds in the Palk Strait, while Sri Lanka continues to enforce strict measures against illegal fishing in its waters.
In recent years, Sri Lankan authorities have intensified maritime patrols to curb cross-border fishing, particularly targeting the use of mechanized bottom trawlers, which Colombo claims cause significant damage to marine resources and the seabed.
However, Indian fishermen argue that dwindling fish stocks and proximity to maritime boundaries often lead to unintentional crossings.
Official figures released by the Sri Lankan Navy indicate that as of April 15 this year, 128 Indian fishermen had been arrested for alleged illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, and 18 Indian fishing trawlers had been seized.
The Palk Strait separates Sri Lanka’s northern coast from Tamil Nadu and is one of the most heavily fished areas. This narrow waterway has long been a source of conflict, with fishermen from both countries frequently detained for crossing maritime boundaries.
Diplomatic discussions between New Delhi and Colombo have occasionally aimed to resolve this issue, but arrests and vessel seizures continue to occur regularly.
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