Sri Lankan Navy's Dvora Patrol Boats Leave Tamil Nadu Fishermen Living in Fear

Tamil Nadu fishermen continue to face hardships as arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy remain frequent in the Palk Strait. Fishermen say they often cross the International Maritime Boundary Line unintentionally due to GPS inaccuracies while searching for rich fishing grounds. Once inside Sri Lankan waters, they are intercepted by the Navy's high-speed Israeli-made Dvora patrol boats, which are equipped with advanced radar systems capable of detecting fishing vessels from a distance. The continued arrests have created fear among fishing communities, with many avoiding certain fishing zones despite depending on them for their livelihood.

According to state government data, more than 15 incidents have been reported this year, with over 60 fishermen arrested and nearly 270 fishing boats still under Sri Lankan custody. Fishermen allege that those detained are subjected to harsh treatment before being produced in court and are often forced to pay heavy fines for their release. They also claim that confiscated boats are rarely returned, resulting in severe financial losses. During his recent visit to New Delhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay reportedly raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a lasting solution to protect the interests of the state's fishing community.