Three Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy

The recurring arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy is a persistent and sensitive issue that significantly impacts India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations, particularly concerning the Palk Strait. This recent incident, where three Tamil Nadu fishermen were apprehended and their mechanised trawler seized after departing from Mandapam fishing jetty, underscores the complex interplay of historical claims, modern maritime boundaries, and the livelihoods of thousands.

**Background Context and Historical Roots:**

At its heart, this dispute stems from the historical fishing practices of Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait, a narrow strip of water separating India and Sri Lanka. For generations, fishermen from Tamil Nadu have fished in these fertile waters, which were traditionally considered common grounds. However, the situation changed dramatically with the formal demarcation of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between India and Sri Lanka through agreements signed in 1974 and 1976. A critical aspect of these agreements was the ceding of Katchatheevu, a small uninhabited island traditionally used by Indian fishermen for drying nets, to Sri Lanka. While India’s Ministry of External Affairs maintains that the island lies on the Sri Lankan side of the IMBL and was ceded through a fully settled boundary agreement, the decision remains a contentious political issue in Tamil Nadu, with many arguing that traditional fishing rights were overlooked. These agreements, made under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers Parliament to make laws for implementing international treaties, aimed to settle maritime boundaries but inadvertently created a livelihood crisis for Indian fishermen.

**What Happened and Key Stakeholders:**

The recent incident is a microcosm of the larger problem. Indian fishermen, often unknowingly or due to sheer economic compulsion, cross the IMBL into Sri Lankan waters, leading to arrests and seizure of their boats. The seized trawler was one of 335 mechanised boats that left Mandapam, indicating the scale of fishing operations. The key stakeholders involved are:

1. **Indian Fishermen (from Tamil Nadu):** They are the primary victims, facing arrests, confiscation of their valuable trawlers, and economic hardship. They argue for their traditional fishing rights and access to rich fishing grounds near Katchatheevu.

2. **Sri Lankan Fishermen (especially from the North):** These communities, devastated by decades of civil war, are trying to rebuild their livelihoods. They accuse Indian trawlers of destructive fishing practices (bottom trawling) that deplete marine resources in their waters and damage their nets, posing a direct threat to their economic survival and the marine ecosystem.

3. **Government of India:** Tasked with protecting its citizens, ensuring their release, and maintaining cordial bilateral relations with Sri Lanka. It faces immense political pressure from the Tamil Nadu state government and local fishing communities.

4. **Government of Sri Lanka:** Aims to uphold its maritime sovereignty, protect its marine resources, and address the grievances of its own fishing communities. It often views the Indian trawlers as illegal encroachers.

5. **Indian and Sri Lankan Navies/Coast Guards:** Responsible for enforcing maritime boundaries and ensuring security in their respective territorial waters.

**Significance for India:**

This issue has multifaceted significance for India:

* **Diplomatic Relations:** It is a recurring irritant in India-Sri Lanka relations, often overshadowing other areas of cooperation. Frequent arrests lead to diplomatic protests and calls for intervention.

* **Livelihoods and Economy:** The fishing industry, especially in coastal Tamil Nadu, is a vital economic activity. Arrests and boat seizures directly impact thousands of families, leading to poverty and distress.

* **Federalism and State-Centre Relations:** The Tamil Nadu government consistently pressures the Central government to resolve the issue, demanding the release of fishermen and retrieving their boats. This highlights the complexities of federal governance when international issues directly impact state populations.

* **National Security:** Unregulated movement in sensitive maritime zones can have security implications, though the primary concern here is livelihood.

* **Environmental Concerns:** The practice of bottom trawling by Indian fishermen is highly destructive, impacting marine biodiversity and coral reefs, which has long-term ecological consequences for the entire region, including India’s own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as defined by the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1976.

**Future Implications:**

Resolving this complex issue requires a multi-pronged approach. Future implications point towards:

* **Enhanced Bilateral Dialogue:** Regular, constructive talks between India and Sri Lanka are crucial to find a lasting solution, potentially including joint patrolling mechanisms or regulated fishing zones.

* **Sustainable Fishing Practices:** India needs to actively promote deep-sea fishing and alternative, less destructive livelihood options for its fishermen, moving away from bottom trawling. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana aim to diversify and modernize the fisheries sector.

* **Technological Solutions:** GPS tracking and monitoring systems could help fishermen avoid crossing the IMBL inadvertently.

* **Humanitarian Approach:** Both nations need to adopt a humanitarian approach, ensuring the well-being of arrested fishermen and expediting their release. The issue is essentially a humanitarian one intertwined with sovereignty.

Ultimately, a sustainable resolution will require a delicate balance between respecting international boundaries, protecting national sovereignty, ensuring the livelihoods of fishing communities on both sides, and preserving the fragile marine ecosystem of the Palk Strait.