TN: Sri Lankan Navy allegedly harasses Nagapattinam fishermen in mid-sea

ANI May 22, 2025 185 views

Tamil Nadu fishermen from Seruthur village reported harassment by the Sri Lankan Navy, including equipment seizure and vessel damage. The incident adds to recurring tensions, prompting state leaders to push for Katchatheevu island retrieval. CM MK Stalin has urged the Centre to intervene for a permanent resolution. Recent arrests and injuries highlight the escalating risks faced by Indian fishermen in contested waters.

"Retrieval of Katchatheevu island is the only permanent solution to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen" - MK Stalin
Nagapattinam, May 22: Fishermen from Seruthur village in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu have alleged that they have been harassed by the Sri Lankan Navy personnel when they were fishing southeast of Kodiakkarai in a fibre boat.

Key Points

1

Sri Lankan Navy rammed vessel and seized Rs2.6L fishing gear

2

Fishermen returned in fear after losing GPS and fuel

3

TN Assembly seeks Katchatheevu retrieval as permanent fix

4

Recurring arrests spark calls for Joint Working Group talks

During the incident, Sri Lankan Navy personnel reportedly rammed their vessel into the Indian fishing boat and seized fishing nets worth Rs2.6 lakh, a GPS device, a walkie-talkie, and other equipment.

The fishermen alleged that the Sri Lankan naval patrol ship also cut their fishing nets, seized the fuel from their boat, and engaged in a clear act of harassment.

Fishermen Shanmugam, Jayaraman, Sakthimayil, and Manimar, who lost their fishing gear and equipment, have since returned to the shore in fear.

Tamil Nadu fishermen getting arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy is a recurring instance, for which the State leadership has sought a permanent solution from the Centre, even by retrieving Katchatheevu island, located in Palk Bay, from Sri Lanka.

In April this year, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution, urging the Union government to take steps to retrieve the Katchatheevu island.

The resolution moved by Chief Minister MK Stalin said, "Retrieval of Katchatheevu island is the only permanent solution to protect the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen and to mitigate the sufferings faced by them due to the Sri Lankan Navy."

On March 27 this year, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 11 Tamil Nadu fishermen and took them to Kangesanthurai Naval camp for investigation, officials said.

Earlier on March 20, 13 Tamil Nadu fishermen who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing outside the approved boundaries returned home to India after being handed over by the Indian Embassy in Colombo.

The group of fishermen were arrested on February 26 and was produced in Mallakam court in Sri Lanka, kept imprisoned for nearly a month. Additionally, three fishermen were also admitted to a government hospital in Sri Lanka due to sustaining injuries.

The Sri Lankan court reportedly released 13 fishermen on March 12 after talks between the two sides.

On February 23, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed concern over the increase in the capture of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, urging the Centre to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) to find a permanent solution to the issue.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is absolutely unacceptable! Our fishermen are just trying to earn their livelihood and they're being harassed like this. The Centre needs to take strong diplomatic action. Katchatheevu was a mistake that needs to be corrected. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Heartbreaking to see our Tamil fishermen suffering like this. The Sri Lankan Navy's actions are disproportionate - cutting nets and seizing equipment is no way to handle this issue. Both governments need to sit down and find a humane solution that respects traditional fishing rights.
A
Arvind S.
While I sympathize with our fishermen, we must also acknowledge that some Indian boats do cross into Sri Lankan waters. The solution lies in better maritime boundary awareness and joint patrols, not just rhetoric about Katchatheevu. Let's be practical.
M
Meena R.
As someone from Tamil Nadu, I've seen firsthand how these incidents affect fishing communities. The nets and equipment cost lakhs - how will these poor fishermen recover? 😔 The state govt should provide immediate compensation while diplomatic solutions are worked out.
S
Suresh V.
Why is this issue persisting for decades? Both countries share cultural ties but keep fighting over fishing rights. Maybe we need to establish a joint fishing zone with clear rules. Enough of this back-and-forth that only hurts poor fishermen on both sides.
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Kavita J.
The timing of these incidents is suspicious - always when bilateral relations are improving. Some forces don't want India-Sri Lanka friendship. Our fishermen shouldn't become pawns in this game. Center must ensure their safety while maintaining good relations with our neighbor.

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Tags:
Sri Lankan Navy Tamil Nadu fishermen Nagapattinam Katchatheevu MK Stalin Palk Bay