Indian fishermen shooed away by Sri Lankan Navy, allege fishermen

As about 350 boats went into sea from Rameswaram after a long gap on Saturday, fishermen alleged they were shooed away by Sri Lankan Navy near Katchatheevu on the same evening.  

Condemning the event, Jesu Raja, a fishermen leader, said the boats did not even cross the 13 nautical miles fixed for Indian fishermen, but still, Sri Lankan Navy threatened Indian fishermen of arrest if they did not return to Indian waters.

The fishermen of the 150 boats which returned to shore even before night, would face a heavy loss as they had spent more than ₹25,000 for each boat, he added.  

Additionally, fishermen returning to sea after a week came without any fish, Mr. Jesu Raja said. When the fishermen did not violate the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), the act of the Sri Lankan Navy was not acceptable, he said.  

In the light of Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visiting India, the act of the Navy was like showing their dominance in the international waters, he added.

“During this time, Indian government should appeal to the President to release the fishermen lodged in Sri Lanka prisons to celebrate Christmas with their family here,” he said.

Published - December 15, 2024 09:34 pm IST