Rameswaram: Tamil Nadu Fishermen Declare Indefinite Strike After Sri Lanka Navy Arrests 32, Seizes Five Boats

Fishermen in Rameswaram have launched an indefinite strike following the arrest of 32 fishermen and the seizure of five boats by the Sri Lanka Navy in Palk Bay, reported ANI.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday (23 February), has escalated tensions, with local fishermen’s associations demanding immediate intervention from both state and central governments.

According to the Rameswaram Fishermen’s Association, the strike aims to pressure authorities into securing the release of all detained fishermen and their boats.

Association secretary Sagayam stated, "In this meeting, it was decided that the central and state governments should take action to free the fishermen of Rameswaram who were held captive by the Sri Lankan Navy. To prevent the auctioning of Tamil Nadu fishermen's boats in Sri Lanka and to rescue the boats, a resolution was passed that the fishermen would go on an indefinite strike from today."

As part of the strike, over 700 powerboats remain docked, and the Rameswaram fishing jetty is visibly deserted.

The arrests occurred when 440 boats ventured into the Palk Bay on Sunday, and the Sri Lanka Navy, patrolling the area, seized five boats and detained 32 fishermen, citing illegal border crossings.

The situation has sparked political concern, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urging the Indian government to intervene. In a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Stalin stressed the need for a Joint Working Group (JWG) to find a lasting solution and ensure the safe return of the fishermen and their boats.

Since January 2024, the Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 131 Tamil Nadu fishermen and confiscated 18 boats, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.