NEW DELHI: The agreement between the Indian Coast Guard and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency on setting up a hotline, to mitigate the woes of fishermen arrested for unintentionally transgressing the maritime boundary of the other country, will only partially tackle the problem, according to defence sources.

A large number of fishermen, mainly from India, who are attracted by the catch on the other side, are jailed for long spells. The maritime boundary is notional and positioning of markers is impossible on the high seas. The fishermen, who cannot afford costly direction finding equipment, stray into the maritime zone of the other country. At the time of arrest, they do not understand the gravity of their crime.

Common fishing zone

A buffer extending up to five miles into the maritime zone of both countries, where common fishing is allowed, and flag meetings aboard ships on the Indo-Sri Lanka pattern will obviate arrests, according to a former Coast Guard officer involved in negotiations for two years.

However, serving officers say Monday's agreement is a step forward. It will prevent the situation getting out of control.

They recalled that some months ago Indian security forces chased a Pakistani boat and fired warning shots when it did not stop. Three fishermen died of gunshot injuries.

The hotline would also enable "informal repatriation" from the other side. Two Coast Guard stations near the Pakistani coast could send vessels to escort back arrested Indian fishermen instead of the Pakistani agency handing them over to the police. In the past, this led to registration of cases and the release of the arrested took up to a year.

Curbing gunrunning

Officials say regular communication will keep a check on drug smugglers and gunrunners operating under the garb of fishermen. The problem will be solved if the two sides agree to the Coast Guard's common fishing zone suggestion.

Most arrests take place when fishermen stray a couple of miles across the imaginary boundary in the hope of a good catch. More Indian fishermen commit boundary infringements because the sea on the Pakistani side has more maritime life. The idea was mooted during the tenure of then Coast Guard chief Suresh Mehta (now Eastern Naval Command chief) but did not find any taker because of its implications for other negotiations on maritime boundaries.

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