Numerous Sri Lankan fishermen staged protest towards their Indian counterparts on Sunday, accusing them of partaking in unlawful fishing in Sri Lankan waters, PTI reported.

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Why are Sri Lankan fishermen protesting?

The fishermen, hailing from Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Mannar districts, expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged recurrent incursions by Indian fishermen and referred to as on authorities to stop such actions.

They vowed to accentuate protests if the scenario persevered unchecked.

The ongoing tensions surrounding the fishermen’s challenge have created strains in India-Sri Lanka relations, leading to periodic confrontations equivalent to firing incidents by the Sri Lankan Navy and the arrest of Indian fishermen.

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Palk Strait dispute strains India-Sri Lanka relationship

Palk Strait is a slim waterway, separating Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka and serves as a profitable fishing floor for each nations.

The disputed fishing floor within the water physique continues to pose challenges, prompting requires efficient measures to handle the persistent points.

Over 40 Indian fishermen were apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy this month. In 2023, 240 Indian fishermen had been arrested for alleged poaching in Sri Lankan waters, adopted by the seizure of 35 trawlers.

In current months, fishers’ organisations have staged a number of protests, together with one held in entrance of the Indian consulate in Jaffna, expressing their discontent over what they allege is sustained unlawful fishing by Indian counterparts.

Earlier this week, Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in search of the Centre’s intervention in securing the discharge of fishing boats from the union territory which have been confiscated by Sri Lankan authorities, The Hindu reported.

(Inputs from PTI)