Tamil Nadu Fishermen Strike Over Arrests by Sri Lankan Navy

Fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu staged a token strike on October 11, 2023, protesting the recent arrest of 47 fishermen and the seizure of their boats by the Sri Lankan Navy. This action follows requests from the Tamil Nadu government for federal intervention to facilitate the release of those detained. An official from the Rameswaram Town Police Station confirmed the strike took place near the local harbour.

Chief Minister M K Stalin reached out to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on October 9, urging swift action to secure the release of the apprehended fishermen. In his correspondence, Stalin highlighted that as of that date, a total of 242 fishing boats and 74 fishermen from Tamil Nadu remained under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities.

Impact on Local Fishing Industry

The strike, organized by the All Mechanised Boat Fishermen’s Association, significantly disrupted local fishing activities. Association president Jesu Raja stated that nearly 400 to 450 boats refrained from venturing out to sea due to the protest. Out of approximately 650 registered boats, only around 200 continued fishing during this period.

Raja noted that the protest is set to continue until October 15, 2023, with a decision on future actions to be determined afterward. He explained that the timing of the protests coincides with the upcoming festive season, including Deepavali, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness around the plight of the fishermen.

Members of the association and families of the detained fishermen gathered near the harbour earlier on the day of the strike, voicing their demands through slogans calling for the immediate release of both the fishermen and their boats. The agitation reflects growing frustrations within the fishing community regarding ongoing tensions with the Sri Lankan Navy.

As the situation unfolds, the local fishermen remain resolute in their protest, with plans to escalate their actions if necessary. The community’s commitment to this cause underscores the significant impact of these arrests on their livelihoods and the broader fishing industry in Tamil Nadu.