Date:25/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/25/stories/2008112559351000.htm

National

India satisfied with Sri Lanka’s handling of fishermen issue

Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI: Although satisfied with the Sri Lankan Navy’s restraint in dealing with Indian fishermen straying in the zone of conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eeelam (LTTE), New Delhi feels that Colombo has a difficult road ahead as it tries to militarily end the ethnic conflict in the eastern and northern parts of Sri Lanka.

After last month’s joint statement on the fishermen issue with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s special adviser Basil Rajapaksa, India feels the issue of protecting its fishermen has been handled satisfactorily so far. However, the second aspect impacting on bilateral ties – the humanitarian situation with regard to Tamil-origin civilians in Sri Lanka – remains “worrying,” say sources.

The statement works out safety clauses for the fishermen in a “practical” manner but India is aware that the tranquillity could be disrupted in case Sri Lanka attacks even one fishing boat after being taken for an LTTE or smuggling vessel. Sources feel the steps identified in the statement have worked so far but they are also “keeping their fingers crossed.”

Following the statement, Sri Lanka has listed sensitive areas along its coastline where Indian fishing vessels must not venture. Also, the Sri Lankan Navy has said it will not fire at Indian fishing vessels. From the Indian side, all vessels will carry valid registration or permits besides identity cards for the crew issued by the Tamil Nadu government. Sources here concede that some fishermen were recently arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities “within wading distance of the shore.”

In the military conflict, India will keep helping Sri Lanka with defensive measures, though the sources did not specify them. They acknowledge that the recent military successes have opened an additional route to pressure the LTTE headquarters. But any military victory by the Sri Lankan army in the northern province can force the militants to merge with the local population and once again start a guerrilla war, including assassinations of people appointed by Colombo in high administrative positions.

India bases its premise on the situation unfolding in the eastern province where the LTTE has scattered and is believed to be behind a couple of high-profile assassinations. “Ultimately, they will have to make peace. We are therefore pushing for devolution on the basis of the 13th Amendment plus. This process was never given a fair chance,” the sources say. Also worrying is the feeble representation of the Tamils in the political parties in the two provinces.

“The question is who speaks for the Tamils? There are several small political parties but those with the guns call the shots. There is no easy solution. It is hard to believe Colombo’s timeframe for resolving the conflict.”