Vasan calls for release of seven fishermen detained by Sri Lankan Navy
Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan requested diplomatic intervention to free Rameswaram fishermen and their confiscated boats.
Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan on Monday urged the Central government to act quickly to free seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu who were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy. According to reports from The Hindu and The New Indian Express, the fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested on the morning of Sunday, November 1, near Katchatheevu.
The Sri Lankan Navy intercepted a mechanised fishing boat in the northern maritime waters of Mannar for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The seven fishermen on board were taken to the Mannar Naval Camp for legal proceedings.
The arrested individuals have been identified as S Plasius, 41, of Thangachimadam; S Alagu Pandi, 22, of Rameswaram; A Antony Pitchai, 33, of Rameswaram; J Rabeen, 21, of Rameswaram; A Nelson, 58, of Thangachimadam; R Arulananda Xavier, 65, of Pamban; and A Sahaya Anand, 34, of Pamban. The boat was owned by J John Mervin of Anthoniarpuram in Thangachimadam.
Vasan, a former Union Minister, requested that the Centre use diplomatic channels to ensure the men are released and their boats are returned. He noted his concern regarding frequent arrests, harassment, and attacks against Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities.
Fisheries department sources stated that approximately 398 mechanised boats had left the Rameswaram fishing harbour on Saturday before the interception occurred.