Clandestine gang behind attacks on fishermen

by P.Krishnaswamy

Deputy Minister of External Affairs Neomal Perera said that he had reliable information that some gangs bent on provoking fishermen across the Palk Strait were creating a tense situation between the two Governments and launched attacks on Indian fishermen in the recent past. He told the Sunday Observer that statements had been made by political leaders across the Palk Strait insinuating the involvement of the Sri Lankan Navy for the recent deaths of four Indian fishermen and two in January this year but these accusations are unfounded, the Deputy Minister said.

These gangs who operate with ulterior motives are also trying to jeopardise the fishing industry including the destruction of fishing gear and boats, the Deputy Minister said.

The prevailing circumstances call for an effective system to keep track of fishing vessels including satellite monitoring and installation of radio equipment in vessels.

The radio equipment which will cost only around Rs. 10,000 for Indian fishermen and its equivalent amount for Sri Lankan fishermen. With the system in place the authorities of the two countries can monitor what is taking place in any part of the Indian Ocean where fishermen go before making unfounded statements and accusations, the Deputy Minister said.