February 27, 2024: Six fishermen from Tamil Nadu apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on January 23, were released in the wee hours of Tuesday morning and reached at Chennai airport.

Taking to X, the Indian embassy in Sri Lanka confirmed the return of six fishermen," Returning home! Six Indian fishermen were repatriated from Sri Lanka to Chennai early this morning"

Upon arrival, the fishermen expressed gratitude for their safe return and thanked both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments for facilitating their release. The incident underscores the challenges faced by fishermen operating in the waters between India and Sri Lanka.

There have been recurring incidents of arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy. On February 5, in a move aimed at drawing attention to their longstanding grievances, Rameswaram fishermen held a symbolic strike and outlined a series of demands to address the challenges they face.

The fishermen also declared their intent to return their voter ID cards to the central government and boycott the elections if their demands remain unmet.

CM M. K. Stalin informed, 'During 2023, the Sri Lankan navy arrested 243 fishermen and seized 37 boats. However, in the past 28 days alone, 88 fishermen and 12 boats were apprehended in six incidents.'