Indians agree not to cross IMBL

The fishing habitations of Nagapattinam and Karaikal, Tamil Nadu passed four resolutions during a meeting Sunday amongst its leaders agreeing not to cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and acknowledged that any wanton breach of this would invite penalty.

If proof of breach was established, fishermen concerned would be forbidden from venturing into the sea for not less than a month. Further, the catch secured by transgressing the IMBL would be confiscated by the fishing habitation. The fishermen in their resolutions also sought diesel subsidy from the government, which deter them from crossing over, in the event of a poor catch, only to salvage the diesel expenditure, The Hindu reported.

In addition, the fishing habitations have unanimously sought a possible arrangement for joint fishing on contractual basis by the fishermen from across the two boundaries in order to eliminate hostility, the report added.

Earlier, India asked its fishermen to confine themselves to fishing in the Indian waters and not to stray into Sri Lankan waters to avoid getting into trouble.

External Affairs Ministry SM Krishna made “a very special appeal” Friday to fishermen from Tamil Nadu and other states that they should fish only in Indian waters.

He thanked Sri Lanka for releasing the 136 Indian fishermen, who were apprehended last week for reportedly poaching in its waters, along with their boats.

priu.gov.lk