Security for TN fishermen court orders

[October 14 2011]

The Indian Coast Guard was directed by the Madurai Bench of the High Court yesterday to take action within 10 days to provide protection for Tamil Nadu fishermen, the Indian Express News service reported.

A petition was filed alleging that  Sri Lankan navy personnel were intruding into Indian waters and indiscriminately attacking Indian fishermen.

Many fishermen had been killed, while many others had been maimed. The Sri Lankan navy personnel also loot the catch of TN fishermen and damage their boats and fishing gear. This had adversely affected the livelihood of the fishermen.

In order to protect the fishermen who go fishing, Indian navy and Coast Guard should deploy its vessels in Indian waters and take out marine patrolling. They should take action within 10 days, the Bench directed.

The Bench also observed that there were complaints that because of the frequent attacks in Indian waters, fishermen were unable to pursue their vocation peacefully. Therefore, the National Security Advisor, the Foreign Secretary and the Union Defence Secretary should initiate necessary action, the Bench directed.