Jaffna Fishermen Condemn Tamil Nadu Agitations, Stress Sovereignty of Sri Lankan Waters

The Jaffna District Fishermen’s Union has strongly criticized the ongoing protests in Tamil Nadu demanding the release of Indian fishermen arrested for crossing into Sri Lankan waters.

Speaking at a press briefing held yesterday (Friday) at the Jaffna District Fishermen’s Cooperative Society, Union Vice President Sellathurai Narkunam condemned the agitation in Tamil Nadu, calling it illegal and unjustified.

He said, “Claiming brotherhood under the so-called ‘Thopputhurai connection’ and plundering the marine resources of our northern seas cannot be justified. The Tamil Nadu fishermen are imprisoned in Sri Lanka not without reason, but because they entered our waters and looted our resources.”

He further stressed that this is a matter tied to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, which those staging protests in Tamil Nadu must understand. Instead, he accused Indian fishing magnates and politicians of twisting the issue for their own benefit and misleading innocent fishermen. “The protests should be abandoned once the truth is realized,” he urged.

Meanwhile, Jaffna District Fishermen’s Cooperative Federation executive member Pakiyanathan Reegan reiterated that the illegal operation of Indian trawlers must stop immediately.

“Sri Lanka is a sovereign nation with defined maritime boundaries and strong security under the present government. Anyone violating these limits will face legal action. Unfortunately, it is the innocent fishermen of Tamil Nadu who suffer, not the wealthy fishing barons and political backers who send them into our waters for profit,” he said.

He also called on Tamil Nadu fishermen to stop looting northern Sri Lankan seas under the pretext of kinship, warning that such activities would not be tolerated.

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