The Sri Lankan navy have arrested 34 Indian fishermen and seized three fishing boats during a "special operation" in the the coastal area of Mannar.
According to the navy's website, the fishermen were apprehended for "engaging in illegal fishing". The fishermen were then brought to Iranaitivu where they will be handed over to the Assistant Directorate of Fisheries, Kilinochchi for onward legal proceedings.
In 2024, Sri Lanka's navy arrested 535 fishermen, more than double the previous year. Fishermen who have been detained by the navy have reported that they have been subject to torture by Sri Lanka's authorities.
While the Sri Lankan navy continues to crack down on Indian fishermen, the navy stands accused of restricting the fishing rights of Tamils across the North-East.
