The Rameswaram All Fishermen’s Association has announced a series of protests against the repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. The move follows the recent detention of eight fishermen and the seizure of their boats.The protest began today with an indefinite strike, suspending all fishing activities. On August 13, fishermen will stage a demonstration near the Thangachimadam Valasai Bus Stand. A hunger strike has been planned for August 15, coinciding with Independence Day, and a rail blockade will be held on August 19 at 3 p.m.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seeking urgent diplomatic intervention. He noted that on August 6, 14 more fishermen were arrested, marking the 17th such incident this year. According to official figures, 80 fishermen and 237 boats from Tamil Nadu are currently in Sri Lankan custody.
The fishermen’s association has demanded the immediate release of those detained and the return of their boats, stressing that the arrests violate their traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay and threaten their livelihoods.