India, SL navy to get to bottom of fishermen issue

6 July 2012 01:05 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The recent arrest of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and related incidents will figure at the bilateral International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) meeting of the navies of India and Sri Lanka to be held shortly, according to Inspector General Satya Prakash Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region, East.

He was reviewing maritime security with KBL Bhatnagar, Deputy Inspector General of Coast Guard, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and Commandant S. Mankoti, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Station, Puducherry.

Mr. Sharma told The Hindu here on Thursday that some fishermen of Rameswaram were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly entering Sri Lankan waters. The process of convening the meeting, of which Indian Coast Guard was a part, had been activated and it would be held shortly.
Talks on

To a question about the repeated incidents of arrest of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar and the alleged harassment by the Sri Lankan Navy, Mr. Sharma said that talks were on between the two governments at different levels to find a solution.

A few forums and fishermen associations were also working out plans. He hoped that a peaceful solution would be arrived at.

Asked about an immediate solution to the issue, he said: “The Indian fishermen should carry out their activities peacefully in Indian waters. We [Coast Guard] are here to take care of their safety and security.”

Asked about the outcome of the enquiry being conducted by the Coast Guard into the alleged involvement of its vessel in an accident near Mandapam recently, in which a fisherman was killed, the Inspector General said that the preliminary probe by two Deputy Inspectors General of the Coast Guard was at the final stages.

The Tamil Nadu police were conducting separate enquiry into the accident. The Coast Guard had provided all information sought by them and would continue to coordinate with them to find out the real reason for the accident. Earlier, Mr. Sharma met Lt. Governor of Puducherry Iqbal Singh and Chief Secretary M. Sathiavathy. (Source : The Hindu)

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Comments - 12

Mr. B Wijeyasingha Friday, 06 July 2012 02:29 AM

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha is making a case out of this, stating this is an "insult" to the Tamils. Sri Lanka should change the laws where these Indian fishermen are treated as pirates. Their trawlers should be confiscated and any illegal equipment documented and destroyed. New Delhi and not Chennai should be contacted as well as the UN. Arrest the fishermen and place a penalty in order for their release. Once their pocket book is hit this type of piracy will stop.

SL Friday, 06 July 2012 04:43 AM

"Asked about an immediate solution to the issue, he said: “The Indian fishermen should carry out their activities peacefully in Indian waters. We [Coast Guard] are here to take care of their safety and security.”"

Amila.G Friday, 06 July 2012 04:58 AM

Its not rocket science, Each one should stick their waters without fishing in waters that does not belong to them whether Indian or Sri Lankan.

buffaloa citizen Friday, 06 July 2012 05:09 AM

Bold statement that can never take place. Just try half of what you have said and see the repercussions.

suresh Friday, 06 July 2012 05:12 AM

How would you draw boundaries in sea ?

Calistus Parajayatil Friday, 06 July 2012 05:42 AM

This simple issue is not being addressed and people on both sides are beating about thew bush. The Indian Coastguard should ensure that Indian fishermen do not venture out of the Indian boundary. Those who violate this should be apprehended by the SL Navy and handed over to the Indian Coastguard at the scene of action so that the Indian government cannot deny that the fishermen were at fault. In instances where it is not practical to hand over such fishermen to the Indian Coastguard immediately, at least the latter should be radioed immediately.
How about also chaining Jayalalitha to a rock in the sea so that she could see what is really happening and stop complaining ? :)

reader Friday, 06 July 2012 06:13 AM

Indians seems to want every thing from the north they keep fighting for kashmir and from south the sea resources

Al-Haj Friday, 06 July 2012 06:37 AM

I wonder if you know who the real "ethnic" Kashmiris are. And I wonder whether you are aware of the treatment of non-muslims in pakistan, and bangladesh, and maldives. The 'bastions' of freedom in our region.

asela Friday, 06 July 2012 07:28 AM

Don't be naive. Every trawler has the GPS capability nowadays They can definitely determine the maritime boundary. Beside do you believe they fail to notice the territorial waters? They are fishermen for gods sake they know these seas like their own palm.

Nodrog Friday, 06 July 2012 07:43 AM

Repercussions or not, we still must stand our ground. Even in a small way we must start asserting our rights and maintain our sovereignty.

Manmohan Friday, 06 July 2012 07:49 AM

No no Mr. Buffaloa. Although we talk so tough, as big-brother we would never dare go against the SL Govt because we are afraid bigger-cousin China.

Manmohan Friday, 06 July 2012 09:42 AM

Suresh, Did you think there was a demarcating line in the water??

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India, SL navy to get to bottom of fishermen issue

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