Overview

• Fishermen from Nagapattinam allege harassment by the Sri Lankan Navy, including confiscation of nets, equipment, and fuel, and deliberate net cutting.
• The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a resolution in April urging the Central government to retrieve Katchatheevu island as a permanent solution to protect fishing rights.
• Eleven fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard in January were released on May 14 and returned to India on May 21 following diplomatic efforts.
• Recurring detentions and harassment highlight the longstanding maritime boundary dispute and its impact on Tamil Nadu’s fishing communities.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called for a durable diplomatic solution to safeguard fishermen’s livelihoods and ensure their safety at sea.