Vijay urges Centre action on Sri Lankan arrests of Indian fishermen

Actor Vijay has appealed to the Centre to intervene in the repeated arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan naval forces, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of fishing communities operating in shared waters off the Tamil Nadu coast.

In his communication to the government, Vijay emphasised the urgency of addressing the contentious issue that has affected thousands of fisherfolk and their families for decades. The arrests have been a persistent point of friction between India and Sri Lanka, with fishermen from both nations frequently detained while operating in disputed maritime zones.

The actor has specifically advocated for the revival of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries, a bilateral mechanism designed to resolve disputes and establish protocols for fishing activities in overlapping territorial waters. The working group, which has remained dormant, could facilitate dialogue and implement measures to prevent future confrontations.

The issue has assumed heightened importance given the economic hardship faced by fishing communities already struggling with seasonal restrictions and dwindling catches. Officials and civil society groups in Tamil Nadu have long sought a coordinated diplomatic approach to protect Indian fishermen from arbitrary arrests and ensure their safe passage in traditional fishing grounds.

The Centre has not yet publicly responded to the communication, though the matter remains on the agenda of Indo-Sri Lankan bilateral discussions.