The fishermen, detained for alleged cross-border fishing, were released after government intervention
A total of 41 Indian fishermen, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy, arrived at Chennai Airport on Tuesday following their release. Authorities have confirmed that they will now be sent to their respective districts, reported business-standard.com.
Of the 41 fishermen, 35 hailed from Ramanathapuram district and had been detained near Katchatheevu on September 8, 2024. The Sri Lankan Navy accused them of cross-border fishing, a longstanding dispute in the region. Their release follows a series of interventions by the Union and Tamil Nadu governments.
The fishermen, mostly from Tamil Nadu, were detained near Katchatheevu and Mannar Island for alleged violations of maritime boundaries
This is not the first such incident. Earlier this month, on January 16, another 15 Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy were freed and returned to Chennai. These included eight fishermen detained near Mannar Island on September 27 and 12 from Nagapattinam arrested on November 11, 2024.
In another repatriation effort, on January 5, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in coordination with the Bangladesh Coast Guard, facilitated the return of 95 Indian fishermen and four fishing boats from Bangladesh. The exchange also saw the repatriation of 90 Bangladeshi fishermen, including 12 rescued from a sunken boat.
Diplomatic efforts remain crucial to resolving maritime border issues and protecting the livelihoods of Indian fishermen. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to continue diplomatic negotiations for the release of detained fishermen and their boats from Sri Lankan custody.
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