Sri Lankan Navy Seizes Nine Indian Fishermen, Trawler Over Poaching

The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their fishing trawler for allegedly entering Sri Lankan waters and engaging in illegal fishing activities. According to the Navy, the fishermen were apprehended on Wednesday evening during a patrol operation after crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) near the waters north of Talaimannar. The arrested fishermen and the seized vessel have been handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mannar for further legal proceedings.

The Sri Lankan Navy said the operation was launched after more than 50 Indian fishing trawlers were reportedly detected operating in Sri Lankan waters south of Iranativu. Authorities alleged that the vessels had crossed the maritime boundary and were involved in illegal fishing. The Navy stated that regular patrols are carried out to prevent unauthorised fishing activities and to enforce the country's maritime laws.

The arrest comes amid continuing tensions over the fishermen issue, which remains one of the most persistent concerns in India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. Fishermen from Tamil Nadu frequently venture close to the maritime boundary in the Palk Strait due to the rich fishing grounds in the region. Sri Lankan authorities maintain that such incursions violate the country's territorial waters and marine conservation regulations.

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The governments of India and Sri Lanka have repeatedly discussed the issue through diplomatic channels, with India often seeking the early release of detained fishermen and their boats on humanitarian grounds. Both sides have also held talks aimed at finding a long-term solution, including promoting sustainable fishing practices and encouraging dialogue between fishing communities from the two countries.

Incidents involving the detention of fishermen continue to occur despite ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Colombo. Officials from both countries have acknowledged the need for a lasting mechanism that protects the livelihoods of fishing communities while ensuring respect for international maritime boundaries and conservation laws.

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