- Fishermen and villagers in Thoothukudi stage a one-day hunger strike.
- They demand the release of 22 fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
- The protest includes a meeting with the Tamil Nadu Governor and a closure of local shops.
In Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, the local fishing community and villagers held a one-day hunger strike to protest against the Sri Lankan Navy’s detention of 22 fishermen.
The fishermen, who were arrested last month, are facing significant fines and legal action in Sri Lanka, which has led to widespread local unrest.
Thoothukudi Protests Over Sri Lankan Fishermen Detention Intensify
The protestors are also calling for the return of two powerboats seized by the Sri Lankan authorities. The hunger strike has seen the participation of many from the community, including traders and families, who closed their shops in solidarity.
The fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in disputed waters and are currently held in Wariyapola Jail. The Sri Lankan court has imposed a significant fine and a potential six-month jail term if the fine is not paid, exacerbating the situation for the affected fishermen and their families.
As part of their protest, the community has planned to meet with the Tamil Nadu Governor to seek relief. This protest highlights the broader issues of maritime disputes and the impact of international tensions on local livelihoods.
The closure of shops and participation of various community members underscore the widespread impact of the fishermen’s detention on the local economy and daily life. The protestors are hopeful that government intervention will lead to a resolution and the return of their seized boats.
The situation in Thoothukudi reflects deep-seated issues in maritime boundaries and international relations, with local communities bearing the brunt of these disputes. The hunger strike and protest actions are a call for urgent governmental intervention to resolve the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the detained fishermen and their families.
“The Sri Lankan Navy arrested 22 fishermen who had gone fishing in two boats last month from Tharuvaikulam, Tuticorin district, claiming that they had entered Sri Lankan territory.”
