Tamil Nadu Fishermen and Families Observe Hunger Strike Over Arrests by Sri Lankan Navy

by Fishery News
Published: Last Updated on

On Thursday, October 3, 2024, fishermen and their families in Thangachimadam near Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, held a one-day hunger strike, protesting the Union government’s perceived indifference to the ongoing conflict between the fishermen of the state and the Sri Lankan Navy. The repeated arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen on charges of poaching have become a “regular occurrence,” according to the protesters.

Since the fishing season reopened after the annual ban in June, over 200 fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, with more than 50 mechanized and country boats confiscated. Recently, Sri Lankan authorities have also begun levying fines, increasing penalties for any delays in payment, creating further challenges for the fishermen.

Last month, the situation took a grim turn when five fishermen were reportedly forced to shave their heads by Sri Lankan officials, an incident that sent shockwaves through the fishing community. Sesu Raja, a prominent leader among the fishermen, expressed disappointment over the Union government’s silence. “If Prime Minister Narendra Modi had condemned the incident,” Raja argued, “the situation could have been different.” The fishermen are demanding the immediate release of all those detained, including 17 arrested on September 30. They also urged the Indian government to initiate talks with the newly formed Sri Lankan government to find a permanent solution to this long-standing issue.

The fishing community highlighted the economic contribution of their sector, which generates hundreds of crores in foreign exchange. However, the continued arrests and mounting insecurity have left many fishermen in financial distress, resulting in psychological strain on both the fishers and their families.

Fishermen leaders and representatives from various welfare unions of mechanized and traditional boats participated in the hunger strike. Sesu Raja further noted that this conflict, ongoing for nearly four decades, has yet to be resolved. “For generations, traditional fishermen have plied their trade in the Palk Strait. Despite India’s support to Sri Lanka during its recent economic crisis, the island nation seems unwilling to reciprocate when it comes to addressing the fishermen’s plight,” he added.

 

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