Highlighting growing distress among the fishing community, Traditional Indian Fishermen Welfare Association have raised an appeal to the Minister for Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare A. Srinath, demanding immediate diplomatic intervention to rescue jailed fishermen and the swift resumption of critical infrastructure projects.In a memorandum submitted with the minister here on Tuesday, representatives urged the government to expedite the release of over 25 Indian fishermen currently detained in Sri Lankan prisons.According to the petition, these fishermen face excessive fines ranging from ₹2 crores to ₹5 crores, alongside prison sentences of one to two years, with many reportedly suffering from illnesses due to poor conditions in confinement.To prevent such recurring detentions, they pressed for a permanent resolution to the long-standing Indo-Sri Lankan maritime dispute.Jesu Raja, a fishermen leader, said, they requested the government to facilitate direct bilateral talks involving fishermen and officials from both nations to secure traditional fishing rights around Katchatheevu. Additionally, they sought enhanced rehabilitation packages, calling for an increase in compensation for boats seized or missing since 2025, he added.On the infrastructure front, Mr. Jesu Raja said, they flagged severe delays in coastal protection projects.“Construction works for essential groynes along the Thangachimadam North Coast, Pamban North Coast, and Kunthukal South Coast have reportedly been halted after reaching 60% completion. We have urged authorities to resume and complete these projects ahead of the upcoming monsoon and natural disaster seasons to safeguard local livelihoods and property,” he noted.Further, operational challenges have mounted at the Rameswaram port. Due to aging wooden hulls posing safety risks, operators of over 50 traditional mechanised boats recently converted their vessels to fiberglass. However, the Department of Fisheries subsequently suspended their fishing permits and subsidised diesel allocation, he pointed out.Warning that the subsidy freeze has severely crippled local families, Mr. Jesu Raja said, they have appealed for the immediate restoration of permits and diesel benefits on par with other regional ports.Mr. Srinath, hearing the grievances of the fishermen, has assured them a solution at the earliest. Published - June 09, 2026 08:40 pm IST