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.
In his notice, Tagore highlighted that on February 9, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 14 fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangschimadam for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). He stated, “These fishermen, operating from two boats, were caught while fishing near the IMBL. Despite no significant evidence of illegal activity, they were arrested and taken to Sri Lanka for legal proceedings.”
The Congress MP emphasized that this was not an isolated incident. In recent weeks, the Sri Lankan Navy has detained Indian fishermen multiple times, including on February 3 and January 26. He further pointed out a firing incident on January 28 near Delft Island, where five Indian fishermen were injured, with two sustaining serious wounds. “The persistent arrests and harassment are affecting the livelihood of thousands of fishermen in Tamil Nadu, particularly those in Rameswaram and Mandapam. This situation is causing unnecessary distress to our fishing communities,” Tagore said.
He urged the central government to take immediate steps to press Sri Lanka for the release of the 14 fishermen and their boats while ensuring that such incidents do not recur. “Initiate urgent discussions with Sri Lanka to resolve the issue and protect our fishermen’s rights. Strengthen surveillance and support for Indian fishermen in disputed waters and demand the prompt release of the detained fishermen and their boats,” he demanded.
The Sri Lankan Navy confirmed the arrest of the 14 fishermen, who were taken into custody on Sunday for allegedly entering Sri Lankan waters. The arrested individuals include 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). The authorities are currently investigating the incident at Mannar Naval Camp.
This latest arrest has created turmoil among the fishing community in Rameswaram. Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi has also urged the central government to take urgent steps to secure the release of 97 Tamil Nadu fishermen who have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in recent incidents.