Sri Lankan Navy arrests fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended nine fishermen from Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram on July 23, accusing them of fishing beyond the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The fishermen were on two boats that were seized while fishing near Thalaimannar in the Gulf of Mannar. This incident follows ongoing tensions between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy, which has led to protests in Rameswaram, where local fishermen demanded the release of 74 detained fishermen and 170 seized boats. Fishermen associations have expressed their frustration over the persistent arrests, emphasizing the impact on their livelihoods. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has previously urged the Indian government to take action regarding these frequent detentions. The fishermen also called for compensation for damages and access to traditional fishing areas like Kachchthivu.