Protesting fishermen submit petition to Tamil Nadu Governor; seek intervention for release of fishermen and seized boats

Rameswaram fishermen petition Tamil Nadu Governor for release of arrested colleagues and impounded trawlers amid strike.

The Rameswaram fishermen have submitted a petition to the Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, who was travelling by road for a meeting in Rameswaram on Sunday (March 2, 2025.)

The fishermen had announced an indefinite strike since February 28, 2025, which entered its third day. After 32 fishermen were arrested and three of their trawlers were impounded by Sri Lankan Navy personnel on charges of poaching a few days ago, the all fishermen federations gave a call for an indefinite strike.

Unless the Union Government gave an assurance, the fishermen resolved to stay away from venturing into the Palk Straits as they were held by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of poaching.

The letter submitted to the Governor, the copy of which was released to the media, stated that with the rise in the arrests frequently, livelihood of the fishermen was in danger. Unless there was an assurance, the security and safety of the fishermen was at great risk.

14 Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, two boats seized

The letter further said the arrested fishermen would be produced before a court for hearing in the next three to five days. “Hence, the Union Government should take it up with their counterparts in Sri Lanka and get all the jailed fishermen released. Likewise, the impounded trawlers too should be safely brought back.”

The fishermen had already announced that only when their demands were fully met, they would withdraw their indefinite strike. According to the fishermen leader V.P. Jesu Raja, the Governor said he would take it up with the Union Government.