Twelve Tamil Nadu Fishermen Arrested by Sri Lanka

Twelve fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri
Lankan Navy on December 23. Their mechanised fishing boat was also seized.
The fishermen are accused of crossing the international maritime boundary
near the Dhanushkodi–Thalaimannar area.

According to reports, the fishermen had set out to sea from the Rameswaram
fishing harbour on December 22. While fishing, they were reportedly surrounded
by the Sri Lankan Navy and taken into custody.

The fishermen were brought to the Thalaimannar Naval Camp for questioning.
It is not yet clear when they will be released or what further action will be taken.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to the Union External Affairs
Minister, S. Jaishankar, seeking intervention to ensure the safe release of the
fishermen and their boat.

Incidents of fishermen crossing the maritime boundary near Rameswaram have happened
in the past due to the close proximity of Indian and Sri Lankan waters. Authorities
on both sides often carry out investigations before allowing fishermen to return home.