No firing by SL Navy

Tamil Nadu’s top Navy Officer says:

INDIA: Commodore P E Van Halteren, the top Naval Officer in Tamil Nadu yesterday categorically denied allegations that the Sri Lankan Navy was straying into Indian waters and firing at Indian fishermen.

“They (Lankan Navy) never cross into our territory,” Halteren told PTI in Chennai.

He said incidents may be taking place when the Indian fishermen sail too close to Sri Lankan maritime boundary. “Especially at night, it is difficult for them to differentiate between fishermen and the LTTE. It would be better if our fishermen do not cross the International Maritime Boundary Line and enter their territory,” he said.

The Indian Navy official suggested that boats should be fitted with Global Positioning System equipment to avoid crossing the maritime boundary line.

Some political parties in the State had been accusing the Sri Lankan Navy of firing at Tamil Nadu fishermen, charging them with crossing into their waters, a charge denied by the Sri Lankan Navy and the Government.

“If the fishermen carry GPS with them, it would warn them when they crossed the maritime boundary,” Commodore Halteren said.

“The Global Positioning System (GPS) is easy to use and it is affordable,” he said and suggested that an awareness should be created among fishermen about its usage.

Halteren said some of the fishermen crossed the maritime boundary hoping to get a better catch.

“On our side there is very little fish available. This is also one of the reasons why fishermen try to cross the IMBL.”

He said about 18,000 boats of different kinds were operated for fishing activities. “It is very difficult for us to guard each and every fishermen when they venture into sea.

Helteren said, “Our duty is to just check whether any boat or ships are involved in any illegal activities. However, as an extra effort, we always warn our fishermen whenever they are very close to the boundary area.”

For its part, the Tamil Nadu government has already approved a Rs 7.7 crore pilot project to fit GPS devices being developed by state owned Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) onboard the fishing vessels from the Ramanathapuram district, from where a majority of fishermen set sail to Palk Straits.

Elcot officials had said they plan to fit 4,620 country boats and 1,697 country boats with GPS in coming months. While mechanised boats would be charged Rs 7500, the country boats would be provided hand held devices free of cost.

GPS provides the fastest and most accurate method for fishermen to navigate, measure speed and determine location.