Udhagamandalam: The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash, said on Friday that a closer watch was being kept on the Palk Strait following the escalation of violence in Sri Lanka.

The Navy chief, on a visit to the Lawrence School at Lovedale here, told presspersons that influx of refugees was anticipated and a closer watch was being kept on the sea around. The fishermen were always advised to stay on the Indian side of the International Maritime Boundary. However, "they do not always listen to us." Since the latest developments had increased the risk for the fishermen it would be the endeavour of the Navy to prevent them from crossing the boundary.

Naval exercises

To a question on improving India-Pakistan relations and the possibility of joint naval exercises, he said, "it is premature to make a comment because there are many other issues involved but if we are asked to have joint exercises it will be a welcome step as we exercise with all our neighbours. But it is completely contingent on the political situation."

The Navy chief said that in another few months an armed forces tribunal would be in place. Few details and modalities were being sorted out. The tribunal "is a good step in the right direction."

On the recent collision of ships, he said it was a matter of concern as collisions were not meant to take place and ships should not sink. Since a merchant ship and a Navy ship were involved "we need to find out exactly what went wrong."

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