Indian poaching: Current law to prevail until new approach
Indo-SL talks ongoing, Indian Central-TN Govts. moot allowance to discourage fishers from trespassing territorial waters
The Indian fishermen who enter Sri Lankan waters will be dealt with according to the existing legal provisions until a new approach is adopted through ongoing discussions between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India to resolve the issue, said the Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, Rathna Gamage.
During his recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that both Sri Lanka and India should adopt a “humane approach” when addressing the issue of fishermen from both the countries illegally entering and fishing in each other’s territorial waters.
In light of the Indian Premier’s statement, The Daily Morning queried Gamage as to whether there would be any change in Sri Lanka’s approach to the issue, to which he said: “We are hopeful that a positive programme can be implemented in the future through mutual discussions. But, for now, Indian fishermen who illegally enter Sri Lankan waters will be dealt with according to the legal framework in place.”
He further noted that this approach would not impact diplomatic relations between the two countries, as India takes similar action when Sri Lankan fishermen are found crossing into Indian waters. He further said that discussions had been ongoing between the Sri Lankan and Indian Governments to find a solution to the long-standing issue. “Only a very small group of people in Tamil Nadu (TN) are involved in this, and both the Central Government of India and the TN State Government have instructed them to stop. In fact, the two Governments have even agreed to provide an allowance to the fishermen to discourage them from continuing this practice.”
The fishing issue between Sri Lanka and India has been dragging on for decades, mostly involving Indian fishermen who cross into Sri Lankan waters and vice versa, in search of a better catch. It has caused tension at times, especially when arrests are made by the authorities of both the countries. Although there have been frequent discussions on the issue, it is yet to see a proper solution.
