The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 11 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing maritime boundaries. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed deep concern over the situation, urging the Indian government to take immediate steps for their release. One fishing boat was also confiscated by the Sri Lankan authorities.

In a letter to the External Affairs Minister, Stalin emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating that the fishermen were apprehended while fishing in the waters southeast of Kodiakarai in Nagapattinam district. He noted that similar incidents have been occurring frequently, causing significant hardship to the local fishing community.

Stalin pointed out that, in 2024 alone, a total of 324 Indian fishermen and 44 boats have been seized by the Sri Lankan Navy. He highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Tamil Nadu's fishermen due to these recurring arrests, which have severely impacted their livelihoods.

The Chief Minister also mentioned recent attacks on fishermen at sea by unknown individuals from Sri Lanka. He called for immediate action to resolve this issue as well.

The fishermen were apprehended on Friday while fishing in the waters southeast of Kodiakarai in the Nagapattinam district. Highlighting the frequency of such incidents, Stalin stated, "I have repeatedly raised this issue as these incidents are occurring at an alarming rate. In 2024 alone, 324 fishermen and 44 boats from Tamil Nadu have been seized by the Sri Lankan Navy."

He further noted the severe impact these arrests are having on the Tamil Nadu fishing community, emphasizing that their livelihoods are being jeopardized by these constant disruptions. "The continuous detainment of our fishermen is placing immense strain on their means of subsistence," Stalin remarked in his letter.

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