A blanket strike gripped Ramanathapuram’s coastline Saturday, paralyzing fishing amid fury over Sri Lanka’s Navy detaining 22 compatriots. Unions rallied for New Delhi’s swift diplomatic push, framing the episode as part of a distressing pattern imperiling coastal lives.
The incident unfolded in Palk Strait’s traditional grounds, where naval patrols nabbed crews aboard four mechanized boats close to Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu. Hailing from Rameshwaram and Mandapam, the fishermen faced swift court proceedings, landing 15-day remands that fueled the boycott.
Thangachimadam hosted a massive rally with 400-plus attendees—owners, crews, families—denouncing central inaction. Jesu Raja, a prominent voice, charged the government with indifference despite Tamil Nadu’s fishermen enduring perennial ordeals. Referencing President Dissanayake’s Delhi summit, he insisted on elevating the dispute to PM-level talks.
These waters are lifelines, yet persistent interventions have families reeling from losses. Sri Lanka holds over 100 trawlers, denying returns and deepening debts for operators. Fines from courts add insult, with non-payment risking years in custody, traumatizing dependents.
Protesters outlined a roadmap: forge enduring agreements, ensure safe repatriations, and restore boats. The daylong action spotlights a crisis demanding resolution, lest economic despair engulfs entire villages.