Official statements from the Indian External Affairs Ministry

Sri Lankan Navy Arrests 22 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Near Neduntheevu for Poaching

Jun 24, 2024, 04:18 AM

The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 22 fishermen from Tamil Nadu on charges of poaching at Delft Island near Neduntheevu late on Saturday night. This incident is part of a larger trend, with over 180 Indian fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in 2024 alone. The fishermen were detained along with their boats, and three fishing vessels were seized. In response, the BJP Tamil Nadu has appealed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for prompt intervention to secure their release. Fishermen in Rameswaram are on a one-day strike demanding the release of the detained fishermen, who were caught for trespassing into international waters. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also written to the Union External Affairs Minister seeking the immediate release of all apprehended fishermen and their boats.