CHENNAI — Sri Lankan naval forces detained 22 fishermen from Rameswaram and Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district on Thursday morning. The arrests occurred near Katchatheevu, a disputed islet in the Palk Strait, according to fisheries department sources.

The fishermen set out from shore Wednesday night in four mechanized boats for routine fishing. Naval personnel intercepted them, accusing the group of violating the International Maritime Boundary Line. All 22 were taken to Mannar naval camp for questioning, sources said.

Families in Rameswaram and Mandapam expressed alarm as news spread through coastal villages. One relative, speaking from Mandapam, described the sudden detention as devastating. “They left for a normal night’s work,” she said. “Now we don’t know when they’ll return.”

Sri Lankan authorities have made similar arrests dozens of times in recent years. In 2023 alone, more than 500 Indian fishermen faced detention, according to Indian fisheries officials. The pattern strains relations between New Delhi and Colombo.

Katchatheevu sits at the heart of the dispute. India ceded the uninhabited islet to Sri Lanka in 1974 under a bilateral agreement. Tamil Nadu fishermen, however, claim traditional rights to fish in surrounding waters. They argue shrinking fish stocks on the Indian side force them closer to the boundary.

Fishermen’s groups in Tamil Nadu demanded quick action from state and central governments. “Release our men and boats immediately,” said a leader from the Rameswaram Fishermen Association. Associations plan protests unless diplomats intervene soon.

The Palk Strait, just 30 to 40 miles wide, funnels fishing boats from both nations into overlapping zones. Sri Lanka reports frequent poaching by Indian trawlers, which damage local stocks and violate limits on mechanized vessels. India counters that arrests often occur in areas long used by its fishermen.

Bilateral meetings have yielded joint patrols and temporary releases, but tensions persist. Last month, Sri Lanka freed 14 Tamil Nadu fishermen after negotiations. No such resolution has emerged yet for this group.

Officials in Chennai monitor the situation closely. The state fisheries department contacted Sri Lankan counterparts Thursday afternoon, urging humanitarian treatment. Families gathered at local harbors, awaiting word on visits or bail.

These incidents disrupt coastal economies. Each detained boat represents thousands of dollars in lost gear and catch. Ramanathapuram district relies heavily on sea harvests, with over 20,000 active fishermen.

Diplomatic channels remain active. India’s High Commission in Colombo stands ready to assist. Past releases have followed high-level appeals, sometimes within days.

The arrests underscore unresolved maritime frictions. Fishermen on both sides face risks daily. A permanent fix—perhaps expanded fishing zones or better enforcement tech—eludes negotiators so far.