Government officials from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and those from Sri Lanka accused each other for the recent detainment of Indian fishermen by the Lankan Navy. Meanwhile, the Indian Union Minister for External Affairs SM Krishna’s controversial statement about the situation was condemned by groups representing the fishermen in the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu.

The minister had stated that the incidents of harassment of the Indian fishermen by the Lankan personnel had come down significantly during the past four years. Local fishermen expressed dismay over the statement, and claimed that such incidents have in fact increased by a large amount.

Two days ago, there were reports that Sri Lankan Navy had attacked a team of Indian fishermen near the Kodiakarai coast. Tamil Nadu Fisheries department officials claimed that in addition to several fishermen sustaining injuries, one of the fishing boats was also damaged during the clashes. Some of the fishermen claimed that they were beaten with iron roads, an allegation which was later denied by the Lankan Navy.

Earlier this month, another 28 fisherman from Tamil Nadu were detained by the Lankan authorities for conducting illegal fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters. However, the team was released after receiving a stern warning. Last month also there was one incident, in which the Lankan naval officials attacked Sri Lankan officials off the coast of Arukattuthurai village.

The Tamil Nadu state government, which is headed by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), has asked the central government to cut all military ties with the island nation. However, the central government, which is headed by the Indian National Congress (INC), have rejected the demands. INC is a part of the opposition alliance in Tamil Nadu.

Local political analysts said that the Indian fishermen often cross over to the Sri Lankan waters, since the catch there is better than that on the Indian side. However, this is resented by the Sri Lankan fishermen, who claim that the cross-border fishing by the Indians is one of the reasons for the declining marine stocks in the area.