By S. Rubatheesan A proposal to issue permits for Tamil Nadu-based boats with limited engine capacity for fishing activities in the Palk Strait has been put forward to resolve the longstanding Indo-Lanka fishing dispute, a senior Cabinet minister said. Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda told the Sunday Times that modalities with regard to the proposals such [...]

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Fishing row: Minister proposes permits for small Indian boats

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By S. Rubatheesan

A proposal to issue permits for Tamil Nadu-based boats with limited engine capacity for fishing activities in the Palk Strait has been put forward to resolve the longstanding Indo-Lanka fishing dispute, a senior Cabinet minister said.

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda told the Sunday Times that modalities with regard to the proposals such as identifying the location of  fishing grounds, the number of boats, regulating authority and a possible joint patrolling by Sri Lanka Navy and Indian Coast Guard are to be discussed at the next Indo-Lanka Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting.

“We have made it clear to them that under no circumstances, will we allow the Indian bottom trawlers since the practice is banned in Sri Lanka and is causing enormous damage to our marine resources. On that basis, we are considering Indian country boats,” Minister Devananda said, expressing concerns over fishing methods, even nets used by the Indian country boat fishermen.

Pointing out that owners of multimillion rupee worth Tamil Nadu bottom trawlers and country boats are already in conflict when it comes to engaging in fishing activities in the Palk Strait, the Minister said both parties could come to an agreement through talks when they attend next month’s annual St Anthony’s feast in Kacchativu.

When asked about Northern fishermen’s demand for stern action against Indian fishermen entering into Lankan territorial waters, Minister Devandnda said that both parties could reach a ‘win- win’ situation. “My top priority is protecting the interests of the Northern fishermen.”

The boats, if permitted would be relatively small-fiberglass boats, attached with minimum horsepower engines in contrast to the Tamil Nadu bottom trawlers which are armed with high horsepower engines coupled with iron made trawling equipment.

The Sunday Times learns that the proposal was mooted by the Indian side first, and Sri Lankan government leaders responded positively.

A highly placed source familiar with the ongoing discussions said it was proposed by Lankan officials to utilise the funds collected from licences to Northern fisheries development rather than channelling it to the General Treasury.

However, Northern fishermen reiterated that they would not allow Indian fishermen to be given permits to engage in fishing in Northern waters “even an hour” at the expense of their livelihood.

Days after the Indian trawlers were handed over to local fishermen last week, a group of Indian fishermen from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu claimed on Thursday that they came under attack by an unknown group-suspected to be Sri Lankan fishermen.

Fishermen across the Palk Strait warned that the recent move by Minister Devananda might lead to more violence in the mid-sea if both governments failed to resolve the issue amicably.

Meanwhile, Karainagar Pradhesiya Sabha Chairman K. Balachandran wrote to the Indian Consulate General Raakesh Natraj this week seeking compensation for the damage caused by Indian fishermen to local fishermen who lost fishing nets worth Rs 11 million.

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