Sri Lankan Navy accused of assaulting Tamil Nadu fishermen and violating the maritime boundary.
Tamil Nadu: Fishermen from the Rameswaram region have alleged that Sri Lankan Navy personnel attacked them and violated Indian maritime boundaries while they were fishing at sea. According to the fishermen, the incident occurred while they were engaged in their routine fishing activities. The complaint states that Sri Lankan Navy personnel, arriving in six patrol boats, entered Indian waters and chased the fishermen present there.
The fishermen allege that the Sri Lankan Navy personnel not only chased them but also assaulted them. Reports also indicate that stones were thrown at them, causing fear and injuries among several fishermen. They recounted that they were on their boats when the sudden action caused panic, creating a chaotic situation at sea.
Fishermen from Rameswaram term this action completely unlawful, as the alleged incident took place within Indian maritime territory. They accuse the Sri Lankan Navy of attacking Indian fishermen in violation of international norms. Following the incident, there is widespread outrage within the fishing community, and concerns regarding their safety have been raised.
Local fishermen have demanded immediate action from the administration regarding this matter. They emphasize the need to ensure their safety while working at sea, as it is their primary source of livelihood. The fishermen noted that while such incidents have occurred in the past, this particular attack is considered to be more severe.
Fishermen’s associations have appealed to both the central and state governments to raise this issue at the diplomatic level and take concrete steps to ensure the safety of the fishermen. They state that the tense situation along the maritime border directly impacts their daily livelihoods. No detailed official response regarding this entire matter has been issued so far, but an administrative inquiry is considered likely following complaints from the fishermen. A sense of insecurity prevails among the local fishermen, and they are apprehensive about venturing out to sea.
