A formal complaint, supported by video evidence, has been lodged with officials of the Indian Deputy High Commission over an alleged incursion by Indian fishermen into waters between Nainativu and Neduntheevu.
The incident occurred on Saturday night, when fishermen from Nainativu were engaged in routine fishing activities in the area. According to local Eelam Tamil fishermen, an Indian fishing vessel entered waters without authorisation and continued fishing despite being warned to leave.
Fishermen from Nainativu stated that they verbally cautioned the Indian vessel and requested that it withdraw. These warnings were reportedly ignored, with the Indian fishermen continuing their activities in the area.
When the Nainativu fishermen approached the vessel more closely, they were allegedly subjected to stone-throwing attacks from those on board the Indian fishing boat, escalating the confrontation at sea.
Following the incident, a Nainativu fisherman contacted an official of the Indian Deputy High Commission via a mobile phone video call and showed the alleged trespass in real time. During the exchange, the diplomatic official asked for the registration number of the vessel. It was then observed that the identification number on the fishing boat had been deliberately erased.
Subsequently, the Nainativu fishermen submitted a formal written complaint to officials of the Indian Deputy High Commission, attaching video footage documenting the incident. The complaint highlighted what they described as repeated incursions by Indian fishermen.
The incident adds to ongoing tensions faced by Tamil fishermen in the waters around the islands off Jaffna, where repeated incursions by Indian trawlers have long been criticised for depleting marine resources, damaging fishing equipment, and threatening the livelihoods and safety of local fishing communities.
