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The Sri Lankan Navy detained 12 fishermen from Pamban and seized their mechanised trawler, alleging poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The fishermen set off on Sunday and were intercepted while fishing between Katchatheevu and Mannar.

Families reported them missing by Monday noon, raising alarms. Fishermen associations condemned the arrests and urged immediate intervention from the Indian government, highlighting the threat to their livelihoods. Recent arrests have created uncertainty ahead of the Katchatheevu festival, and legal efforts to recover impounded trawlers have faced challenges, complicating the situation for local fishermen.