CHENNAI: The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 14 Tamil fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam. They were arrested for violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). They were arrested while fishing off the north Mannar coast of Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Navy officials also seized two fishing boats from them.

Opposition parties led by DMK had protested in Parliament demanding a permanent solution to the arrest of Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Congress, CPM and TMC MPs also participated in the protest. The issue was also raised in the Lok Sabha.

DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said that this is not a local issue but a national issue. Although they are Tamil fishermen, they are also Indians. They have been harassed and killed for years. He alleged that the government has not taken action on the issue.

DMK MP Kanimozhi said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written several letters to the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister demanding a permanent solution to the issue. The arrest and torture of Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy has become a regular occurrence. Around 97 fishermen are presently lodged in Sri Lankan jails. They have also seized more than 210 boats. Kanimozhi also demanded that the central government take action in this regard. Earlier this month, 19 Tamil fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan officials.