Escalating Tensions: All of the detained individuals are reported to be from Tamil Nadu, India
COLOMBO: In the latest development of an ongoing maritime dispute, the Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended 10 Indian fishermen and impounded their boat for allegedly fishing within the nation's territorial waters. This marks the second incident of its kind within a month, raising tensions between the two neighboring countries.
According to a press release issued by the Sri Lankan Navy, the fishermen were captured off the coast of Alampil in Mullaitivu on August 7. All of the detained individuals are reported to be from Tamil Nadu, India.
The Sri Lankan Navy disclosed that a dedicated operation was executed on Monday after detecting Indian fishing boats illegally operating in Sri Lankan waters near the Alampil coast in Mullaitivu. As a result of the operation, an Indian vessel was confiscated, having been present in Sri Lankan waters for an extended period.
The Captured fishing boat, along with its crew of 10 fishermen, has been transported to Trincomalee port. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard will subsequently transfer them to the Assistant Director of Fisheries-Trincomalee for further legal proceedings, as stated in the navy's official statement.
A Parallel occurrence transpired last month on the night of July 24, when the Sri Lankan Navy detained nine Indian fishermen and seized two boats for their alleged infringement of Sri Lanka's territorial waters. So far this year, the Sri Lankan Navy has confiscated a total of 14 Indian fishing boats and apprehended 93 Indian fishermen, highlighting the persisting tensions in the region.
In response to these recurring incidents, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has urged India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, to take immediate diplomatic action to secure the release of 19 Tamil Nadu fishermen currently detained by Sri Lankan authorities.
