February 24, 2025: Fishermen in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, have launched an indefinite strike in protest against the recent arrest of 32 Indian fishermen and the seizure of five boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. The arrests, which occurred near the North Mannar region, have sparked widespread outrage in the coastal community.

According to reports, around 5,000 fishermen set out to sea on Saturday in 450 boats when Sri Lankan Navy patrol vessels intercepted them, alleging that they had crossed the maritime boundary. The navy seized five boats and detained 32 fishermen, who were later transferred to the Talaimannar Naval Camp.

In response, the local fishing community has decided to suspend operations, keeping 700 boats anchored at the Rameswaram fishing port. The ongoing strike has had a severe economic impact, with daily losses estimated at Rs 1 crore.

Fishermen leaders have demanded immediate intervention from both the central and state governments to secure the release of the detained fishermen and their boats. They have warned that if prompt action is not taken, the protests will be intensified and extended to other coastal districts.

Fishermen’s associations have expressed frustration over the government’s failure to resolve the long-standing dispute over fishing rights, which has led to frequent arrests and tensions between Indian fishermen and Sri Lankan authorities.

This latest incident follows the arrest of 14 Indian fishermen in early February under similar circumstances. The Sri Lankan Navy had intercepted them near the North Mannar zone, seized two of their boats, and later handed them over to the Sri Lankan Fisheries Department. The fishermen were subsequently remanded in judicial custody until February 19.

With tensions escalating, the fishing community has urged the Indian government to take diplomatic steps to ensure the safety and security of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen and prevent further arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.