Protests erupt in Jaffna as tensions in Palk Strait boil over

Tamil fishermen in Jaffna have launched protests and roadblocks as tensions with their Indian counterparts boiled over this week, after the death of at least two Eelam Tamils following a reported collision with an Indian vessel.

 01 February 2022

In Palaly and Valalai this morning, fishermen launched a demonstration on the streets, blocking roads with their fishing boats and demanding action be taken against the supposed encroachment of fishing vessels from Tamil Nadu. They were joined by leaders from the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF).

The protests follow rising tensions between Tamil Eelam and Tamil Nadu fishermen, which culminated in a reported collision on January 27.

Two Eelam fishermen, identified as Primkumar, a 37-year-old father of three from the Vathirayan area and 21-year-old Thanikaimaran, had gone out to sea on that day, but their vessel did not return. Thanikaimaran’s body was later washed ashore alongside several broken nets.

Local fishermen in Vadamarachchi East allege that a collision had occurred with an Indian vessel and took to the seas the next night.

Following the deaths the Eelam fishermen reportedly surrounded a boat from Tamil Nadu that had crossed the territorial boundary on Monday night.

Last night, the Sri Lankan navy said it launched a “special operation… deploying Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla in the Northern Naval Command, another Fast Patrol Boat of Sri Lanka Coast Guard and with the assistance of the Navy’s Special Boat Squadron”. The Sri Lankan authorities arrested 21 Indian fishermen and seized two trawlers.

In recent months, tensions between Tamil Nadu and Tamil Eelam fishermen have been rising.

Eelam fishermen complain that their Tamil Nadu counterparts are crossing the maritime boundary and fishing with deep sea trawlers that have caused environmental damage as well as a loss of income.

In previous years, fishermen from both sides worked with a degree of co-operation, but after the end of the armed conflict and the subsequent Sri Lankan military occupation, tensions have escalated. Both have suffered at the hands of the Sri Lankan navy, with deaths, arrests and attacks reported in recent months.