India holds meeting on Indo-Lanka fishing issue
In an effort to find a permanent solution to the vexed fishermen
issue with Sri Lanka, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
yesterday held a high-level meeting with various stakeholders and
deliberated on its different aspects.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha and 13 representatives from
the Fishermen Association of Tamil Nadu.
It was also attended by officials of Prime Minister's Office, Coast
Guard, ministries of Agriculture, Home, Defence, External Affairs and
the Indian Navy.
The 9th India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission Meeting on February 5 had
agreed on the need to work out a permanent solution to the fishermen
issue.
"External Affairs Minister chaired a meeting of internal stakeholders
earlier today afternoon to discuss the way forward towards a permanent
solution to the fishermen issue between India and Sri Lanka," MEA
Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. He said release of 77 Indian fishermen
by
Sri Lanka on July 25-26 and their repatriation to India set the
immediate backdrop to the meeting. different aspects requiring
attention, including the livelihood concerns of Indian fishermen and
introduction of sustainable fishing practices," said Swarup. He said all
stakeholders agreed with Swaraj that it was important to resolve the
issues quickly.
"It was agreed that Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare/
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries would take action
on specific measures suggested to meet livelihood concerns of Indian
fishermen.
"There was agreement amongst all stakeholders that practical and
pragmatic solutions needed to be pursued so that fishermen on both sides
can pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner,"
said the MEA spokesperson.
(Indian Express)
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