Use of seized boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy sparks outrage among fishermen community

tamil nadu schools closed thanjavur, The decision of the Sri Lankan government to use the seized boats of Tamil Nadu fishermen for its navy has created a stir in the fishing community. According to reports, 13 motorboats, worth between Rs 50 to 80 lakh, belonging to Tamil Nadu fishermen, have been handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy. Of these, five boats are from Mannar and eight from Jaffna. This decision was taken by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Despite Stalin’s repeated efforts to get the fishermen’s boats back, they have been taken.

The Sri Lankan Navy has a long history of arresting Tamil Nadu fishermen for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), seizing their boats and equipment and violently attacking them. Recent times have seen an increase in these arrests, with courts imposing heavier fines and prisons facing harsher conditions. This includes abuses such as forcing fishermen to clean toilets, shaving their heads and harassment.

Fisherman leader from Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, K.M. Palaniappan expressed his displeasure by saying, “It is time that the central government takes action, because our people have become afraid of fishing in the sea. This is having a direct impact on poverty and hardships.” DMK, AIADMK, PMK and other political parties of Tamil Nadu are also expressing concern over the problems being faced by fishermen due to the actions of the Sri Lankan Navy.

There was hope for a change of government in Sri Lanka and a permanent solution under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. But the recent steps of the Sri Lankan Navy have dashed this hope.

Fishermen of Tamil Nadu are now waiting for a concrete response from their government. Due to this dispute, tension continues on the maritime border.