Palk Strait row: Indian fishermen in troubled waters; 141 in SL custody

The row over jurisdiction in Palk Strait continues to haunt Indian fishermen. As many as 17 fishermen are said to have been arrested by the Lankan authorities, the day the Indian High Commission in Colombo announced the repatriation of 14 Indian fishermen.

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The Palk Strait — between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s Jaffna city — has been a source of tension between the two countries. The Lankan authorities often allege that Indian fishermen frequently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line.

Expressing concern over the frequent arrests of Indian fishermen, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin said, “In 2024, 530 fishermen were arrested and 71 boats were confiscated. The recent apprehensions and attacks have created a sense of fear among fishing folk.”

A few weeks ago, PM Narendra Modi and Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, had agreed on the need to address this issue in a “humanitarian manner”. As per the MEA, till November 22, 141 Indian fishermen were in Lanka’s custody.