India summoned Sri Lankan envoy on Tuesday and protested in strongest possible terms about a shooting by Sri Lanka Navy in capturing 13 Indian fishermen in waters adjacent to Delft Island in early Tuesday morning hours.
Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Priyanga Wickramasinghe, was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Indian High Commission in Colombo also raised the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sri Lankan government.
"Out of the 13 fishermen who were on board the fishing vessel, two have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Three other fishermen received minor injuries and have been treated for the same. Indian Consulate Officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen at the hospital to seek their welfare and are extending all possible assistance to the fishermen and their families," read an MEA statement.
The arrested fishermen, all from Rameswaram and Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu, were taken to Jaffna, where they are likely to face judicial proceedings. Their mechanised fishing boat was also confiscated.
The total number of Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan authorities in the last three days is now 47, with three high-value mechanised boats also confiscated.
These regular arrests reflect the problems that Tamil Nadu's fishing community continues to face, especially within the Palk Bay where fishermen are often detained in their quest for a living.
"Government of India has all the while insisted that issues related to fishermen be dealt with in a humane and humanitarian manner, factoring in the livelihood perspective. Use of force is never permitted at any point in time. The existing understandings between the two Governments in this regard must be scrupulously followed," the MEA statement added.
India had made the issue raised with Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake when he visited India last month. However, despite these talks, the arrests are continuing, which have caused frustration and fear among fishermen.
Since June 2024, the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 425 Tamil Nadu fishermen and also seized 58 fishing boats.
The frequent arrests have sparked protests and demands for a long-term resolution to protect the livelihood of fishing communities. Former Union Minister and PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the government to take strong measures to safeguard the interests of the fishermen and prevent further detentions.
The situation calls for a concerted diplomatic approach between India and Sri Lanka to settle maritime boundary disputes and ensure that fishermen can carry on their traditional occupation without fear or uncertainty.
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