Strike in India against detention of fishermen in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Fishermen from India's Rameswaram have launched a strike demanding the immediate release of eight fishermen currently heald by Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters on 13th September 2023. 

The operation led to the seizure of 03 Indian trawlers with 17 Indian nationals poaching in island waters off the Kakarathivu Island and Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna.

The Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, after having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off the Kakarathivu Island and Kovilan Lighthouse on 13th September.

In this operation, the Navy held 03 Indian poaching trawlers that continued to remain in island waters, with 17 Indian fishers aboard.

The 03 poaching trawlers together with 17 Indian fishermen were brought to the port of Kankasanthurei and they were handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Mailadi for onward legal proceedings.

Including the poaching trawlers held in this operation, the Sri Lanka Navy has seized 17 Indian poaching trawlers and apprehended 110 Indian fishermen thus far in 2023.

Following these apprehensions, the poaching trawlers and fishermen have been handed over to relevant authorities for legal action.