February 6, 2024: Twelve fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 13, have been released and reached Chennai airport on Tuesday. However, the remaining eleven fishermen are still detained in Sri Lanka.

According to officials, a total of 23 Indian fishermen and two trawlers were held by the Sri Lankan Navy from Rameswaram on Sunday while they were fishing near Delft Island in the Palkbay Sea area.

The Rameswaram  All Boats Fishermen's Association highlighted the plight of fishermen, claiming that over 150 mechanised boats from Tamil Nadu, seized by the Sri Lankan Navy between 2018 and 2024, remain in the possession of the Sri Lankan government.

The fishermen demanded immediate intervention from both the central and state governments to secure the release and restoration of seized boats in good condition.