8 Indian fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for crossing maritime border

In a separate incident, another group of Indian fishermen anchored between Katchatheevu and Dhanushkodi reported being targeted by the Sri Lankan Navy. Fishermen allege that personnel from the Lankan side damaged fishing nets and other equipment on at least 20 boats.

Reacting to the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention. “It has been reported that the Sri Lankan authorities have apprehended a mechanised fishing boat bearing registration number IND-TN-10-MM-773 along with 8 fishermen from Rameswaram on July 29. Such incidents lead to loss of boats and equipment, prolonged detentions, and exact a heavy psychological toll on the affected families. I request your early intervention to ensure the safe repatriation of the arrested fishermen and their boat,” CM Stalin wrote in his letter.