17 INDIAN FISHERMEN ARRESTED BY SRI LANKAN NAVY
Overview:
- 17 fishermen from Thangachimadam, near Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing near Neduntheevu Island in the early hours of 12 Jan 2025.
- The incident has led to protests from the fishermen’s families and highlights ongoing tensions regarding maritime disputes.
KEY POINTS
- The Incident:
- On 11 Jan, 2 boats from Thangachimadam set out from the Rameswaram fish landing centre.
- The boats carried a total of 17 fishermen: 8 fishermen on one boat and 9 on the other.
- The fishermen were fishing near Neduntheevu, also known as Delft Island, when they were apprehended by a Sri Lankan naval patrol around 3:30 a.m. on 12 Jan.
- Protest by Families:
- News of the arrests spread quickly, causing family members of the fishermen to protest.
- Women relatives of the arrested fishermen blocked the Madurai-Rameswaram Highway at Thangachimadam to express their dissatisfaction with the frequent arrests.
- One protestor, Asensia, wife of one of the arrested fishermen, expressed the hardships faced by fishermen, saying that they were not involved in illegal activities, unlike smugglers, but were simply trying to earn a living.
- Frequent Arrests:
- The Sri Lankan Navy regularly arrests Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing into Sri Lankan waters.
- The arrested fishermen are often accused of fishing in areas that Sri Lanka claims as its own territory.
ABOUT NEDUNTHEEVU ISLAND (DELFT ISLAND)
- Location and Size:
- Neduntheevu (also called Delft Island) is the largest island in the Palk Strait, located in the northern part of Sri Lanka.
- The island spans an area of 50 sq. km, with a length of 8 km and a maximum width of about 6 km.
- Geography:
- The island is flat and oval-shaped, often experiencing strong winds, making it a soothing and wind-swept area.
- There are no permanent streams on the island.
- The primary freshwater source is surface water, collected in natural depressions and artificial ponds.
- Flora and Fauna:
- The island has a mix of dry shrubs and semi-arid tropical plants.
- There are also tall palm trees, contributing to the island’s beachy feel.
- Historical and Cultural Significance:
- A notable feature on the island is a Dutch fort, made from dead coral chunks, dating back to the Dutch colonial era.
- The island is home to a population of around 4,800 Tamil people, who live in the northern part of the island, in small compounds.
CONCLUSION
The arrest of 17 fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has brought attention to the ongoing issue of maritime disputes between India and Sri Lanka. While the fishermen are seeking to make a living, these frequent arrests have led to protests and calls for a solution. At the same time, the island of Neduntheevu remains a point of historical and geographical significance in the region. The tensions highlight the challenges of maritime boundary disputes and their impact on local communities.
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