In a significant move, top officials from the Indian Navy, Customs, Fisheries Department, and police held an interactive session with fishermen in Ramanathapuram district on Tuesday. The meeting focused on urging fishermen to adhere to safe fishing practices, including staying within the Indian Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and avoiding venturing beyond territorial waters. Officials emphasized the risk of surveillance and potential action by Sri Lankan Navy personnel, who enforce their laws strictly.
The officials suggested alternative fishing methods, such as deep-sea fishing, and stressed the importance of obtaining tokens from the Fisheries Department before entering the Palk Bay. Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, the district collector who chaired the meeting, highlighted various government welfare measures available to the fisherfolk and encouraged them to take full advantage of these initiatives.
Fishermen representatives, including Bose, Sagayam, and Karl Marx, voiced concerns about the current restrictions, which require them to return to shore within 24 hours. They also requested government intervention to secure a minimum support price for their catch.
The fishermen expressed deep concern over the arrest of 122 Tamil Nadu fishermen and the impoundment of 11 mechanized and eight country boats by Sri Lankan Navy personnel since June 15, when the annual fishing ban was lifted. They called for urgent government action to protect their livelihoods.
The session was led by Indian Navy official Vijay Kumar Narwal, Customs Superintendent Mahesh Kumar Meena, DSP Uma Devi, and Deputy Director of Fisheries Prabhavathi, among others.
SOURCE: THE HINDU
