Seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy after being accused of crossing the international maritime boundary and fishing near Neduntheevu, the island off the Sri Lankan coast, officials said on Wednesday. .The fishermen, who had set out from Mayiladuthurai’s fishing harbour, were reportedly engaged in fishing operations when Sri Lankan naval personnel intervened, alleging they had entered Sri Lankan territorial waters. The naval force took the seven fishermen into custody and seized their two fishing boats before taking them to the Kankesanthurai port for further questioning and investigation.
Incidents of Sri Lankan authorities detaining Indian fishermen — particularly those from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry — for alleged violations of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) have occurred repeatedly, reflecting ongoing tensions in the Palk Strait region over fishing rights and territorial waters. These detentions often result in boats being confiscated and fishermen being held for inquiry before being released or handed over to fisheries officials.
Fishermen’s associations have repeatedly called for stronger diplomatic engagement between India and Sri Lanka to address the recurring issue, highlighting the economic hardships faced by fishing families whenever arrests and seizures take place.