The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 10 Indian fishermen and confiscated their trawler for allegedly poaching in Sri Lanka’s waters, according to an official statement released on Monday, January 15. This incident follows closely on the heels of another where 12 Indian fishermen were apprehended just two days prior on similar charges.
The arrest of the 10 fishermen and the seizure of their trawler took place on Sunday, January 14, north of Point Pedro, Jaffna, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy. The arrested individuals were escorted to the Kankesanthurai harbour and are slated to be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for further action.
This marks the second such incident within a week, as on Saturday, January 13, 12 Indian fishermen were arrested, and their three trawlers were seized for allegedly engaging in poaching activities in Sri Lankan waters.
The issue of fishermen has been a longstanding point of contention in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka, with instances of the Sri Lankan Navy personnel reportedly firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait and seizing their boats over allegations of illegal entry into Sri Lankan territorial waters.
The Palk Strait, a narrow waterway separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka, serves as a fertile fishing ground for fishermen from both countries. Periodically, there have been cases of Indian fishermen being arrested by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
