The Hindu : New Delhi News : Review Kachatheevu pact, State government urges Centre

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Review Kachatheevu pact, State government urges Centre

Special Correspondent

Restoration of traditional rights of Indian fishermen sought

Intensify patrolling to ensure safety of fishermen, says Chief Secretary
“Fishermen should be treated humanely and not like criminals”

NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government has urged the Centre to review the 1974 Indo-Sri Lanka agreement on Kachatheevu so that fishermen from Tamil Nadu could carry out their activities around the islet without any security risk.

Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary L.K. Tripathy, who met National Security Advisor (NSA) M.K. Narayanan here on Thursday, sought restoration of the traditional fishing rights of the Indian fishermen in the Island waters.

He also wanted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to convey India’s concern over the plight of fishermen, especially those from Tamil Nadu, to Sri Lanka during his visit to Colombo for the SAARC conference.

Mr. Tripathy, who led a three-member delegation, later told reporters that they also discussed the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be signed between India and Sri Lanka, under which Indian fishermen would be given licence by Colombo to fish around Kachatheevu.

He also told Mr. Narayanan that India should convey to Sri Lanka that its security personnel should not open fire at the fishermen. In the event of apprehension, they should be treated in a humane manner.

“Our other main demands are that the fishermen should be treated humanely and not like criminals and that there should be a mechanism wherein their repatriation to India should be done in an expeditious manner,” Mr. Tripathy said.

Besides, the State government wanted the Centre to increase the patrolling by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard to ensure the safety of Tamil Nadu fishermen.

The Tamil Nadu delegation, which included Principal Secretary (Fisheries) Leena Nair and Fisheries Commissioner Shambu Kallolikar, pointed out to the Centre that three fishermen were killed and five injured this year in “indiscriminate firing” by Sri Lankan naval personnel.

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