Fishing Tensions Around Katchatheevu: What’s Happening?
Recently, tensions have flared between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen. Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar addressed the situation during a local festival on Katchatheevu Island. He was asked about the arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan security forces and whether there had been talks about their release.
Between 2020 and 2024, 1,194 Tamil Nadu fishermen have been detained by Sri Lankan authorities. The arrests increased sharply in 2022, with 528 fishermen apprehended—more than doubling the previous year’s numbers. Tragically, during this period, seven fishermen have lost their lives in incidents at sea, with five fatalities recorded in 2021 alone.
Recently, authorities arrested 32 Indian fishermen and seized five boats after they allegedly entered Sri Lankan waters. Overall, the Sri Lankan Navy has detained around 140 fishermen for similar reasons. When questioned about discussions with the Indian government regarding these arrests, Minister Chandrasekar stated that while there are ongoing general talks between the two nations, they are not specifically about these incidents.
He also expressed concerns about fishing methods, particularly bottom trawling, which he believes should be banned entirely. There are currently no talks about joint maritime patrols between India and Sri Lanka, though the minister mentioned they are open to this idea if it could help resolve ongoing issues.
During this period of tension, the St. Anthony’s Church festival brought together over 8,000 devotees from both nations. Participants traveled across the waters, especially from Rameswaram, to attend services and festivities over March 14-15. The festival serves as a reminder of the shared cultural ties between Sri Lankans and Indians, despite the underlying fishing conflicts.
The situation reveals not only the complexities of territorial waters but also the challenges faced by fishermen in the region. As the dialogue continues, many hope for a resolution that respects both the livelihoods of fishermen and the territorial rights of nations.
For further details on fishing regulations and territorial disputes, you can refer to this report by the Ministry of External Affairs.
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Source linkSRI LANKA, INDIAN FISHERMEN, RELEASE OF FISHERMEN, TAMIL NADU FISHERMEN, SRI LANKAN MINISTER, EXCLUSIVE: LANKAN MINISTER TIGHT-LIPPED ON TALKS TO SECURE RELEASE OF ARRESTED INDIAN FISHERMEN
