NewKerala.com

Tamil Nadu Fishermen Seize Puducherry Boat Amid Coastal Fishing Dispute

Tensions flared at Rameswaram fishing port after local fishermen captured a mechanised fishing boat from Karaikal, Puducherry. The Rameswaram fishermen allege that Karaikal boats are fishing illegally close to the coast, depleting resources and harming their livelihoods. They also blame these practices for provoking the Sri Lankan Navy to seize Indian fishing boats. The captured boat and its 14 crew members were handed over to fisheries authorities as fishermen demand a permanent resolution.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Fishermen Seize Karaikal Boat in Livelihood Dispute

  • Mechanised boat seized near Dhanushkodi
  • Allegations of illegal coastal fishing
  • Blame for Sri Lankan Navy seizures
  • 14 Karaikal fishermen handed to authorities
  • Demand for permanent solution
2 min read

Rameshwaram fishermen capture mechanised boat from Puducherry's Karaikal near Dhanushkodi coast

Rameswaram fishermen capture a mechanised boat from Karaikal, alleging illegal coastal fishing and blame them for Sri Lankan Navy seizures.

"their livelihoods remain under serious threat due to repeated violations by Karaikal fishermen - Rameswaram Fishermen"

Rameswaram, January 16

Tension erupted at Rameshwaram fishing port on Thursday after local fishermen captured a mechanised fishing boat from Karaikal, Puducherry late on Thursday night near the Dhanushkodi coast.

Fishermen alleged that mechanised boats operating from Karaikal are fishing close to the coast instead of in deep-sea areas. They claim that these boats are catching large quantities of fish, severely affecting the livelihoods of country boat and motorboat fishermen in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

In addition to depleting marine resources, the Karaikal-based fishermen are reportedly using deep-sea fishing nets in Sri Lankan waters. This has resulted in damage to fishing gear, including nets belonging to Sri Lankan fishermen.

Following complaints from Sri Lankan fishermen, the Sri Lankan government has been seizing Indian fishing boats through the Sri Lankan Navy. Rameswaram fishermen have been the worst affected by these seizures.

Despite repeated complaints from Tamil Nadu fishermen, Karaikal fishermen allegedly continue such fishing practices, further threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Amid this situation, Rameswaram fishermen intercepted a Karaikal fishing boat that was fishing near the Dhanushkodi coast late last night. The seized boat was later brought and parked at the Rameswaram Fishing Port.

The fishermen from the southern districts demanded a permanent solution to the issue, stating that their livelihoods remain under serious threat due to repeated violations by Karaikal fishermen. They subsequently handed over the seized boat, along with the 14 Karaikal fishermen onboard to the Rameswaram Fisheries Department authorities.

Meanwhile, in December last year, three Indian fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy. The fishermen went fishing in a boat with the registration number IND-TN-11-MM-96 belonging to A Joseph, a member of Mandapam, from the northern coast of Mandapam. While they were fishing near Neduntheevu in the Palk Strait, the Sri Lankan Navy arrived in the area and, claiming that they had crossed the border, arrested the three fishermen and confiscated their boat.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the frustration, taking the law into their own hands by capturing the boat might escalate tensions further. The Fisheries Department should have been the first point of action. We need a proper dialogue between TN and Puducherry fisherfolk associations, mediated by the authorities.
R
Rohit P
Heart goes out to the local fishermen. Their livelihood is at stake. When big mechanised boats fish near the coast, they scoop up everything, leaving nothing for the small boats. This is an ecological and economic disaster for our coastal communities. Strong regulations are needed!
S
Sarah B
The international angle is worrying. If Indian boats are fishing in Sri Lankan waters, it gives them a reason to arrest our fishermen. This needs a diplomatic solution as well. The safety of our fishermen in the Palk Strait must be a top priority for the government.
K
Karthik V
Finally some action! Complaints were falling on deaf ears. Sometimes you have to make a strong statement to be heard. Hope this forces the authorities in Chennai and Pondy to sit down and find a permanent solution. Our fishermen have suffered enough.
A
Aryan P
It's good they handed over the boat and crew to the authorities. Shows they want justice, not vigilante justice. The root cause is unsustainable fishing. Both sides need to follow rules about fishing zones and net sizes. Otherwise, there will be no fish left for anyone.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50