The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 22 fishermen who were fishing near Rameswaram after crossing the maritime boundary. Additionally, the Navy confiscated two boats used by these fishermen for fishing.

The Rameswaram region in the Ramnad district, which borders the Bay of Bengal, is known for fishing activities. The Sri Lankan Navy’s detention of these 22 fishermen who ventured beyond the maritime boundary is in line with similar incidents where boats used for fishing were also seized.

The maritime boundary between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka is relatively narrow. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu traditionally engage in fishing activities in these waters, where they have the right to fish. It is imperative for the Indian government to swiftly resolve these instances where the Sri Lankan Navy detains Tamil Nadu fishermen without infringing upon their rights to fish in these traditional waters.

To address the challenges faced by fishermen and resolve various issues, the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries has been established.

Political parties have emphasized the crucial need for the central government to actively engage in finding a prompt resolution that is beneficial and avoids the detention of fishermen.

This ongoing issue of fishermen’s detention calls for an immediate resolution through collaborative efforts between India and Sri Lanka within the framework of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries.