Rameswaram fishermen to strike on Saturday to protest Sri Lankan Navy arrests
Rameswaram fishermen associations have announced a one-day strike on August 8 (Saturday) to protest the arrest of their fellow fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy in the Palk Straits. The associations, which represent the coastal district's fishing community, said they would abstain from work to draw the attention of the Indian and Tamil Nadu governments to what they describe as frequent arrests under false poaching charges.
In a resolution passed on Friday, the associations appealed to the Centre and the State government to take immediate steps to secure the release of the detained fishermen and ensure their safe return. They also demanded the return of trawlers impounded by Sri Lankan authorities.
Speaking to The Hindu, fishermen association leader Jesu Raja said the fishing community had been exercising its traditional right to fish in the Palk Straits for over five decades. He noted that relations between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen had historically been cordial, with instances of exchanging food and other essentials. However, he added that the situation had deteriorated in recent years, severely affecting their livelihoods.
According to data shared by the associations, since 2018, more than 500 fishermen have been arrested and about 200 trawlers have been impounded by the Sri Lankan Navy. Mr. Jesu Raja said the Sri Lankan courts have been imposing hefty fines, amounting to thousands of rupees, which many fishermen cannot afford. He pointed out that the impounded trawlers, each costing between ₹40 lakh and ₹60 lakh, often remain in docks and become unfit for operation, leaving trawler owners unable to repay debts and fishermen jobless.
The associations also highlighted the friendly diplomatic ties between India and Sri Lanka, recalling that India was among the first nations to extend assistance during Sri Lanka's economic crisis about three years ago. They said Tamil Nadu had supplied essentials, and fishermen had offered to deliver them swiftly to the people of Sri Lanka without expecting anything in return.
Mr. Jesu Raja said the newly formed Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay have written to the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister regarding the arrests. The fishermen have appealed to the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Centre and ensure a permanent solution. 'We work for survival, and everyday has been a threat. Life has become insecure for the fishermen,' he said.
