Sri Lanka Navy Arrests Nine Indian Fishermen for Poaching

The Sri Lanka Navy arrested nine Indian fishermen and seized their fishing trawler on Saturday for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters. The operation, conducted by the SLNS Samudura, took place south of Delft Island in the Jaffna region after the fishermen crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line.

Following the apprehension, the Navy transported the fishermen to Kankesanthurai Harbour. They are being handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to face legal proceedings.

This incident is part of a recurring pattern of conflict in the Palk Strait, a resource-rich fishing region between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Vessels from both nations frequently cross maritime boundaries in the area, leading to persistent tensions and repeated arrests of fishermen for trespassing.