Chennai, 28 December (H.S.) : Three Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday for allegedly crossing the international maritime boundary.

According to the Rameswaram Fishermen Association, the group had set out for fishing from the northern coast of Mandapam on Saturday in a motorized boat registered under the name of A Joseph.

While they were engaged in fishing activities near Neduntheevu in the Palk Strait, naval personnel arrived at the spot and detained them, claiming they had encroached into Sri Lankan waters.

Following the apprehension, the fishermen were interrogated and subsequently handed over to the Sri Lankan Coast Guard. They were later produced before a local magistrate through the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The court has ordered that the three fishermen be remanded in custody until January 7. The seizure of their boat has added to the growing concerns among the local fishing community regarding the safety of their livelihood in the Palk Strait.

This incident follows a series of recent developments involving maritime borders. Just two days prior, the Indian Coast Guard ship Rani Durgavati had successfully facilitated the repatriation of four other Indian fishermen and one boat from Sri Lankan authorities at the International Maritime Boundary Line.

Despite such efforts, arrests continue to occur frequently. Earlier this year, fifteen fishermen were released and returned to Chennai after being detained for various periods.

Local fishing associations have repeatedly urged the government to find a permanent diplomatic solution to prevent the recurring arrests and confiscation of vessels.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary