Chennai: In a latest development, the Sri Lanka Navy arrested 22 fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were deep sea fishing near the Palk Strait in the early hours of Thursday. These fishermen, residents of Rameshwaram in Ramanathapuram district, had gone into the sea on Wednesday night. They are accused of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters. The arrest was made near Katchatheevu Island and four of their mechanized boats were also seized.

After the arrest, the fishermen and boats were taken to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka, where further action is being taken. The continuous arrests of fishermen of Tamil Nadu have caused deep anger among their families and the fishing community. Fishermen organizations have reiterated their demand for a permanent solution to this long-term problem and diplomatic intervention. The incident comes after the arrest of 25 fishermen from Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal area of ​​Puducherry two days ago. He was also caught for crossing the IMBL and was taken to Kankesanthurai naval camp and handed over to the Fisheries Department. Of the arrested fishermen, 12 were from Nagapattinam, three from Mayiladuthurai and 10 from Karaikal. Such incidents have been coming to light continuously in the last few months also. Several fishermen were also arrested in late December 2025 and early and mid January.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister MK Stalin has repeatedly appealed to the Central Government to ensure the release of the arrested fishermen through diplomatic channels and to find a permanent solution to this complex issue by convening a joint working group meeting between the two countries. This topic was also mentioned in the Governor’s address. The Chief Minister has reiterated his demand for the Center to take back the Katchatheevu island ceded to Sri Lanka under the 1974 agreement, saying this will pave the way for the restoration of traditional fishing rights of the fishermen. Proposals in this regard have also been passed in the state assembly. Fishermen’s organizations have condemned the repeated arrests and demanded the central and state governments to find permanent solutions to protect livelihoods and restoration of traditional rights in the Palk Strait region.