LEN - www.lankaenews.com | The Great Indian Fishermen Paradox: Trespass, Get Caught, and Complain!

The Great Indian Fishermen Paradox: Trespass, Get Caught, and Complain!

-By South Asian Correspondent

(Lanka-e-News -24.Feb.2025, 11.30 PM) Ah, the age-old tradition of Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters—like an uninvited guest who not only eats all your food but also complains about the seasoning. Every week, without fail, a group of enthusiastic fishermen from Rameswaram sails across the maritime boundary, casts their mega-sized nets, and, with the help of cutting-edge GPS technology, conveniently "forgets" they are in another country’s waters.

And then, as expected, the Sri Lankan Navy intervenes. They arrest the trespassers, seize the illegal catch, and send them back with a firm warning. But wait—this is where the real comedy begins! Instead of acknowledging their mistake, our dear Indian fishermen, backed by their politicians, organize strikes, protests, and dramatic press conferences.

The logic is baffling:

Illegally enter Sri Lankan waters.
Catch fish using massive trawlers that destroy marine life and seabeds.
Get arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Throw a tantrum, organize a protest, and demand that the Sri Lankan government apologize.

If this were a movie script, it would be a masterpiece of absurd comedy.

The GPS Knows, But the Fishermen Don’t?

Let’s get one thing straight—these fishermen are not lost. This is not a case of "Oh no, we didn’t realize we crossed the border!" Modern fishing boats are equipped with GPS, radar, and tracking systems. They know exactly where they are going. They are not lost tourists asking for directions; they are fully aware they are violating international law.

Yet, when caught, the excuses are endless. "Oh, we didn’t know we crossed the border." Sure. And next, we will hear that the fish themselves dragged the boats into Sri Lankan waters against the fishermen’s will.

The Rameswaram Protest: A Show Worth Watching

Every time Sri Lankan authorities arrest illegal fishermen, Rameswaram transforms into a grand stage of outrage. Fishermen go on strike, politicians deliver fiery speeches, and headlines scream: “Sri Lankan Navy Attacking Innocent Indian Fishermen!” Innocent? They are literally committing a crime under international law.

Imagine robbing a bank, getting caught, and then protesting outside the police station demanding an apology. Sounds ridiculous? Well, welcome to the logic of this ongoing maritime soap opera.

Where is the Indian Government? Busy Forgetting Campaign Promises

During every Indian election, politicians passionately promise to solve the “fishermen issue” and reclaim Kachchativu Island. They rally crowds, wave their fists, and declare Sri Lanka’s ownership of the island as “unacceptable.”

But, as expected, the moment they win the election, these promises disappear faster than a fish escaping a net. Suddenly, the Indian government is too busy with other matters, and the fishermen are left to figure things out on their own.

So, what happens next? The cycle repeats. Fishermen continue crossing the border illegally. They get arrested. They complain. The politicians make empty statements. Rinse and repeat.

Is India Encouraging Illegal Fishing?

Here’s a serious question: How are these fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters so frequently without the knowledge of Indian authorities? The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have one of the most advanced maritime monitoring systems in the region. Are we to believe they simply don’t notice dozens of boats crossing into Sri Lanka every week?

Or, more realistically, is the Indian government quietly tolerating this illegal activity while pretending to act surprised every time it makes headlines? Because, if they genuinely wanted to stop it, they could have done so years ago.

What Should the Sri Lankan Navy Do?

Let’s be clear—the Sri Lankan Navy is not a customer service desk. It is there to protect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. When illegal fishermen enter Sri Lankan waters, the Navy has a duty to act.

What do the Indian fishermen expect? A warm welcome? A guided tour? Perhaps a nice seafood lunch before they are escorted back? No, obviously. There are laws, and the Navy is enforcing them.

But let’s play along with their demands for a moment. If we follow their logic, Sri Lankan fishermen should now have the right to cross into Indian waters, catch fish, and then protest when arrested. Imagine that happening! Would the Indian Coast Guard respond with kindness and apologies? Absolutely not. The boats would be seized, and the fishermen would likely face severe consequences.

So, why the double standards?

A Simple Solution: Obey the Law

The answer to this entire problem is ridiculously simple: Indian fishermen should just obey the law.

If Sri Lankan waters are off-limits, don’t enter Sri Lankan waters. If you do and get caught, don’t complain. If the Indian government truly cares about its fishermen, it should provide them with alternative solutions rather than encouraging illegal activity.

As for the Sri Lankan Navy, their job is clear—protect the nation’s waters. And no amount of dramatic protests, political theatrics, or misplaced outrage should stop them from doing just that.

So, dear Indian fishermen, here’s some friendly advice: Fish legally, stay in your waters, and avoid unnecessary trouble. It’s really not that hard.

-By South Asian Correspondent

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by (2025-02-24 20:00:28)

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