Five Tamil Nadu Fishermen Repatriated from Sri Lanka, Set to Reach India

Five fishermen from Tamil Nadu, India, who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy earlier, have been safely repatriated from Sri Lanka and will reach India later on April 24, 2024. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated that the fishermen were released after being detained for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters.

This incident follows a similar one on April 4, 2024, when 19 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were repatriated from Sri Lanka. The arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have been a recurring issue, leading to concerns from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and resolve the matter.

The fishermen issue is a contentious one between India and Sri Lanka, with the Sri Lankan Navy frequently arresting Indian fishermen for allegedly trespassing into their territorial waters. In 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 240 Indian fishermen along with 35 trawlers for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing ground for fishermen from both countries, leading to frequent arrests of fishermen from both sides for inadvertently trespassing into each other's waters. The arrests have severely impacted the livelihoods of these fishing communities.

Why this matters: The recurring arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. Finding a sustainable solution to this issue is vital for maintaining peace and protecting the livelihoods of the affected fishing communities.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed concerns about the increase in attacks on members of the state's fishing community and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest. The fishermen have also threatened to return their voter ID cards and boycott elections if their demands are not met, highlighting the severity of the situation and the need for a swift resolution.

Key Takeaways

• 5 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu repatriated from Sri Lanka on April 24, 2024.
• 19 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu repatriated from Sri Lanka on April 4, 2024.
• Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 240 Indian fishermen and 35 trawlers in 2024 for poaching.
• Arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka have strained diplomatic relations between the countries.
• Tamil Nadu CM urged PM Modi to intervene and resolve the fishermen issue to protect livelihoods.