Rameswaram, Mar 17: A Sri Lankan court on Monday extended the judicial custody of 12 fishermen from Pamban, who were arrested for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing in the Gulf of Mannar.
The fishermen had set out to sea on February 24 from Pamban South near Rameswaram in a mechanised boat. According to reports, they were later apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of fishing in Sri Lankan waters after crossing the maritime boundary.
Following their arrest, the fishermen were lodged in a prison in Negombo. On Monday, they were produced for the third time before a court in Welisara in connection with the case.
After hearing the matter, the judge ordered that the fishermen be remanded in judicial custody until March 23. They were subsequently taken back to the Negombo prison.
Recurring Issue in Palk Strait
The arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy remains a persistent issue in the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar region. Fishermen from coastal districts like Rameswaram often venture close to or inadvertently cross the IMBL due to the rich fishing grounds in the area.
Over the years, both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments have engaged in diplomatic talks to address the issue, including discussions on the release of detained fishermen and the return of seized boats. However, arrests continue to occur frequently, triggering protests from fishermen’s associations and political parties in Tamil Nadu.
The latest extension of custody has once again raised concerns among the families of the detained fishermen, who are urging authorities to secure their early release through diplomatic intervention.