Chennai: Five Tamil fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and engaging in fishing activities in Sri Lankan territorial waters near Neduntheevu (Katchatheevu).

According to local fishermen's association sources, the men had embarked on their fishing trip in a mechanised boat on Monday night when they were intercepted by a Sri Lankan Naval patrol near Katchatheevu. The Sri Lankan Navy personnel promptly took the five fishermen into custody and seized their vessel. They are expected to be transferred to Kankesanthurai or Talaimannar for further legal proceedings.

This incident marks the latest in a troubling series of arrests involving Tamil Nadu fishermen. Just in mid-July, seven Rameswaram fishermen faced similar apprehension, with their boat also confiscated, leading to their judicial remand in Vavuniya. Earlier this year, in February, a single operation saw 32 fishermen detained and five boats seized.

The recurring arrests have ignited major concern within the Rameswaram fishing community, who express that their livelihoods are severely disrupted. A representative of the fishermen's union complained, "The sea is our only means of survival. Every time someone is arrested, it creates fear among others."

Fishermen's associations have consistently appealed to both the Indian and Tamil Nadu governments to address this persistent issue with Sri Lanka and work towards a long-term resolution. They also urge the retrieval of confiscated boats, which cause substantial financial losses for the affected families. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has previously corresponded with Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking robust diplomatic intervention to secure the release of arrested fishermen and prevent future occurrences.

With ongoing tensions in the Palk Strait, the safety and economic stability of Tamil Nadu's coastal communities continue to face a major challenge.

With inputs from IANS