The Sri Lankan Navy is accused of assaulting and chasing away a group of fishermen from Rameshwaram while at sea, shortly after they resumed fishing following the end of Tamil Nadu’s seasonal fishing ban.
The fishermen, who returned to shore visibly distressed, claimed that Sri Lankan naval personnel crossed into disputed waters between Katchatheevu and Dhanushkodi, assaulted several crew members, and forced many vessels to return prematurely. They also reported significant damages to their boats and gear, further compounding their losses.
The fishing ban, enforced annually by the Tamil Nadu government to allow marine resources to replenish, was in effect from 15 April to midnight on 14 June. While fishermen had prepared to venture out immediately after the ban, rough weather conditions and cyclonic winds in the Bay of Bengal led authorities to temporarily suspend permits.
After a 64-day hiatus, over 5,000 fishermen aboard more than 400 mechanised boats finally departed from the Rameshwaram harbour on 18 June. However, many of their efforts were disrupted by the Sri Lankan Navy’s alleged aggression.
The incident comes amid long-standing tensions over fishing rights and maritime boundaries in the Palk Strait. Indian fishermen, particularly those from Tamil Nadu, have routinely accused Sri Lankan security forces of harassment, arrests, and even fatal shootings.
Compounding the distress, fishermen reported low yields during their latest expedition. The post-ban period is typically regarded as prime fishing season, especially for high-value exports such as prawns, crabs, and cuttlefish. However, this year’s catch was unusually poor.
Many Rameshwaram fishermen alleged that mechanised country boat fishermen continued to fish illegally throughout the ban, leading to depleted fish stocks. As a result, those resuming fishing lawfully now face estimated losses of ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 per boat.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Fisheries has reinforced the country’s stance on maritime intrusions. In a recent meeting with representatives of northern Sri Lankan fishermen’s organisations, the Minister reiterated that action would be taken against Indian fishermen who enter Sri Lankan waters unlawfully. He added that measures were being implemented in coordination with the Sri Lankan Navy to prevent such incidents.
