In a first in recent times, the Indian Coast Guard has detained at least five fishermen and seized their ship vessel for allegedly fishing in  Indian waters. The move came after Sri Lanka detained several dozens of Indian fishermen in recent months for the same reason.

During its routine patrol, Coast Guard Ship Vajra spotted the Sri Lankan mechanized boat "illegally fishing on the Indian territorial waters" on Wednesday.  After incepting the boat, five Coast Guard personnel detained the fishermen, according to media reports.

Fishermen from both countries often spar over illegal poaching into their respective waters. The protracted dispute overfishing also stirs up politics, both in Tamil-majority northern Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu in India, and sometimes strain bilateral ties. 

In January this year, the Sri Lankan Navy allegedly shot dead four Indian fishermen, prompting strong reactions from the Indian government. From the Sri Lankan perspective, it is the responsibility of the Indian side to stop their fishermen from crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line.  

The issue has remained unresolved despite several rounds of talks between officials of the two countries. 

In recent months, there were several protests in Jaffna by local fishermen whose livelihood has come under strain over depleting marine resources, and what they allege is continued alleged bottom trawling by Tamil Nadu fishermen. 
 
(SAM)