Date:24/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/24/stories/2008012453390400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Fishermen take exception to Sri Lankan Navy’s action

C. Jaishankar and S. Vijay Kumar

“Planting of mines in sea will have serious repercussions”

Despite warning, hundreds of fishermen venture into sea
13 Tamil refugees reach Arichamunai near Dhanushkodi

RAMANATHAPURAM/MADURAI: Notwithstanding the warning issued by the Sri Lankan Navy that an “underwater defence system” is in place between Katchatheevu and Neduntheevu, hundreds of fishermen ventured into the sea from Rameswaram on Wednesday. Thirteen Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including women and children, reached Arichamunai near Dhanushkodi with the help of clandestine boat operators.

While the Government has kept the fishermen updated on the development, there is mixed reaction among fishermen associations who feel the strategy may affect fishing activity on both sides.

The move to lay sea mines targeted Sea Tigers of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, sources in the intelligence agencies said.

Taking exception to the Island Navy’s action, T. Anthoniraj, president of the Verkode Fishermen Association, said the planting of mines would have serious repercussion for fishermen of both India and Sri Lanka. Innocent fishermen would be killed if they came in contact with the mines.

“From time immemorial, we are fishing around Kachchatheevu. We claim that it (Kachchatheevu) is our traditional and rightful fishing ground. Though the Sri Lankan Navy is claiming that the action is against the LTTE, we feel it is against the fishermen of Tamil Nadu. The State Government should act swiftly against the move,” he told The Hindu.

U. Arulanandam of the Alliance for the Release of Innocent Fishermen said though the Sri Lankan Government had the right to take steps to protect its territory, it should not affect the lives of innocent fishermen on both sides.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a top police officer said the Government might not intervene at this stage as the ‘underwater defence system’ was in the territorial interest of Sri Lanka. “The issue of traditional fishing and safety of refugees has to be sorted out through bilateral negotiations. The incident of refugees being allegedly pushed into waters by fishermen fearing raids should be seen in isolation. As of now, it appears that refugees are dependent on illegal boat operators.”

Fishermen and a section of Sri Lankan Tamils expressed fear that the action would be detrimental to those fleeing the country and seeking refuge in India. “After the ceasefire agreement was lifted, Sri Lankan Tamils have started coming to Rameswaram. The area chosen by the Sri Lankan Navy for planting sea mines is the transportation route taken by the displaced Tamils to reach Rameswaram island,” said a refugee.

The State Government has issued a firm warning to fishermen not to cross the IMBL. Ramanathapuram Collector Kirlosh Kumar said the Government had issued instructions to Fisheries officials on the Sri Lankan Navy’s warning. It had been communicated to the leaders of all fishermen associations in the district. “They should cooperate with officials in enforcing maritime regulations.”