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Key Points

One Indian fisherman has been deported from Sri Lanka and safely returned home. The Sri Lankan Navy continues arresting Tamil Nadu fishermen, sparking protests. Fishermen demand immediate release of detained colleagues and restoration of traditional fishing rights. A hunger strike is planned for Independence Day if no action is taken.

Key Points: Indian Fisherman Deported from Sri Lanka Reaches Home

  • Indian fisherman deported from Sri Lanka returns home
  • Sri Lankan Navy arrests 50 Rameswaram fishermen post-ban
  • Fishermen demand release of 24 convicts held since 2024
  • Protesters threaten hunger strike and train blockade if demands unmet
3 min read

Fisherman deported from Sri Lanka returns home, confirms Indian High Commission

One Indian fisherman deported by Sri Lanka returns as tensions rise over repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen.

"The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 4 fishermen from Thondi, Thiruppalai – S. Muruganantham, Sea Workers' Association"

Colombo, August 13

One Indian fisherman has been deported from Sri Lanka and has reached India, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said on Wednesday.

In a post on X, the High Commission stated, "One Indian fisherman has been deported from Sri Lanka and has reached India."

https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1955495307137220864

The development comes at a time when incidents of Sri Lankan Navy violations are on the rise. Following the end of the fishing ban on June 15, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 50 Rameswaram fishermen along with their 7 motorboats and one national boat. In response, fishermen have urged the central and state governments to take immediate action to secure the release of these fishermen and their boats.

They have also demanded that steps be taken to stop the Sri Lankan Navy's repeated intrusions that disrupt them and to restore their right to fish in their traditional areas, where Tamil Nadu fishermen are currently being denied access.

A protest was staged in Thangachimadam, where the fishermen reiterated their demands, including the immediate release of 24 fishermen who were arrested while fishing and have been imprisoned as convicts between 2024 and 2025. A large number of fishermen participated in the demonstration, which was led by All Fishermen's Association President Sesuraj, raising slogans in support of their demands.

The fishermen announced that they would hold a hunger strike on August 15, coinciding with Independence Day. If the central and state governments still fail to act after that, they warned they would launch a train strike on August 19, continuing until all their demands are met.

These protests come in the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Navy arresting 14 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district on August 6. Four of them were taken into custody from Thondi, Thiruppalai, while 10 others, were arrested from the Pamban area of Rameswaram in the same district.

The fishermen arrested from Thiruppalai have been identified as Vimalraj (24), Mathesh (20), Sakthi (18) and Karthi (18).

Sea Workers' Association State President S. Muruganantham, speaking to ANI, said, "The Sri Lanka Navy has arrested 4 fishermen from Thondi, Thiruppalai -- Vimalraj (24), Mathesh (20), Sakthi (18) and Karthi (18) -- who went fishing in a country boat from Thondi in Ramanathapuram district yesterday, along with the boat they were on. Similarly, the Sri Lanka Navy arrested 10 fishermen from Pamban who went fishing in a boat INT-TN-10-MM-2702 yesterday."

The incident of the Sri Lanka Navy arresting 14 fishermen from Ramanathapuram district in a single day has caused unrest among the fishermen.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Heartbreaking to see young boys like 18-year-old Sakthi and Karthi being arrested just for doing their job. These are traditional fishing waters - why is Sri Lanka being so aggressive? Modi government should intervene immediately.
A
Aditya G
While I support our fishermen, we must also understand Sri Lanka's perspective. Maybe we need proper maritime boundary agreements instead of emotional reactions. Both countries should sit together and find permanent solution.
P
Priya S
The hunger strike on Independence Day is very symbolic. Our fishermen are fighting for their right to livelihood while we celebrate freedom. Government must act before situation escalates further 🙏
M
Michael C
As an expat in India, I'm shocked by how often this happens. These fishermen are just trying to feed their families. The international community should take note of these human rights violations by Sri Lankan Navy.
K
Kavya N
Why is our Navy not protecting our fishermen? If Sri Lanka can patrol so aggressively, why can't we? Our fishermen's safety should be top priority. Enough of just diplomatic notes and statements!
V
Vikram M
This issue affects thousands of families in Tamil Nadu. Not just about fishing rights but about dignity. Government must negotiate strongly - maybe use economic leverage since we help Sri Lanka so much financially.

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