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ConflictIndian fishermen announce three-day fishing boycott after Sri Lankan Navy arrests nine
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Fishermen associations in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, have announced a three-day boycott of fishing activities (July 24-26) to protest the arrest of nine Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on July 22, 2026, on charges of poaching in the Palk Straits. In a meeting on July 23, leaders passed a resolution demanding immediate central government intervention for a permanent solution. Fishermen leader Jesu Raja called on newly elected Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay (TVK) to fulfill his campaign promise to protect fishers' livelihoods and raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the External Affairs Minister. The fishermen also criticized fishermen from Karaikal for using banned nets and long trawlers in international waters, alleging this provoked Sri Lankan fishermen and escalated tensions. This is the first arrest since the annual fishing ban ended on June 15.
Source report
Updated - July 24, 2026 06:13 pm IST — RAMESWARAM
The Hindu Bureau
Fishermen leaders hold a meeting near Rameswaram fishing jetty on July 23, 2026 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Condemning the arrest of nine fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on Wednesday (July 22) night on charges of poaching, fishermen associations in Rameswaram have announced a boycott of work for the next three days, until Sunday.
In a resolution passed at a meeting convened on July 23, representatives of the fishermen associations said the Centre should immediately intervene in the issue and ensure a permanent solution.
“To draw the attention of the new government in Tamil Nadu and those in the Union government, we have decided to stay away from fishing activities for the next three days (Friday to Sunday),” said Jesu Raja, a fishermen leader.
Speaking to The Hindu, he said that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had, during electioneering, promised not only to protect the livelihood of fishers but also assured to take up the issue with the Central government and solve it if elected. “Now that the party is in power, the CM should give us a time and listen to our grievances,” he added.
On Wednesday night, nine fishermen from the coastal district were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy along the Palk Straits on charges of poaching. This was the first arrest of fishermen from Tamil Nadu since the annual ban period ended on June 15.
“We have been praying to the governments for the last several years to consider our genuine pleas... but so far, there seems to be no tangible solution,” Mr. Jesu Raja said. He expressed hope that in the coming weeks, the Chief Minister would speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the External Affairs Minister, and others in this regard.
The fishermen also blamed fishermen from Karaikal for their non-cooperation, which, they alleged, had aggravated tensions between Sri Lankan fishermen and Tamil Nadu fishermen.
- “The Karaikal fishers travelled over 100 miles and engaged in fishing in international waters.
- Using banned fishnets and long trawlers irked the Sri Lankan fishermen.
- This should stop immediately, and the TN government should deal with the Karaikal fishers in a tough manner,” they said.
Published - July 23, 2026 08:20 pm IST
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Indian fishermen boycott fishing for three days after Sri Lankan Navy arrests nine