Sri Lankan Navy detains 35 Indian fishermen for border breach; Vijay urges Centre to intervene

The Sri Lankan Navy detained 35 Indian fishermen — 31 from Tamil Nadu and four from Puducherry — for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) near Rameswaram.

According to reports, the fishermen were taken to the Kangesanthurai Navy Camp for questioning before being handed over to the Jaffna Fisheries Department. Following an inquiry, they were produced in court and are expected to be sent to prison.

The arrests have sparked political outrage in Tamil Nadu. PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss criticised both the State and Central governments for failing to act decisively, calling for a more proactive approach to protect Tamil fishermen. “Merely sending letters to the Centre is not enough. The issue has become routine, yet no permanent solution has been found,” he said.

Ramadoss urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to convene an urgent meeting with ministers and fishermen’s representatives and personally take up the issue with the Prime Minister to secure their release and prevent recurring arrests.

TVK chief and actor Vijay also expressed anguish over the incident, urging immediate intervention. “The arrest of 35 of our fishermen brothers from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and the seizure of their boats is deeply distressing. Both the State and Central governments must take urgent steps to bring them back safely,” he wrote on X.