Troubled Waters: The Hindu Editorial on the India-Sri Lanka Fishing Conflict

Tamil Nadu fishermen are caught in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters for “poaching” with alarming regularity. Nevertheless, the relevant stakeholders have not yet demonstrated the necessary readiness for well-known solutions. In the latest development, Sri Lankan Navy arrests 22 fishermen Who are residents of Nagapattinam and neighboring Karaikal on Wednesday. There are already 29 fishermen in Sri Lanka, according to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar few days back. According to an estimate, 84 boats have also been confiscated by the Sri Lankan authorities. Despite being aware of the consequences, the frequency with which fishermen from Tamil Nadu reportedly cross the International Maritime Boundary Line, exposes their level of desperation driven by livelihood concerns. However, this is not to absolve them of their responsibility for endangering Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity, which is critical for Tamil fishermen in the northern province, who suffered in the civil war. The troubling problem has also been exacerbated by the events of the past month – reports of the deaths of two Jaffna fishermen following “mid-sea conflicts with Tamil Nadu counterparts” on January 27 and 29, subsequent protests by northern Sri Lankan fishermen, and reports of Reportedly, 140 confiscated boats may be auctioned by Sri Lanka even before a Tamil Nadu government team and fishermen’s representatives leave for Sri Lanka to finalize the modalities for disposal of unrecoverable boats. There is no word from Colombo about allowing fishermen-devotees to participate in the annual festival of St. Anthony’s Church in Katchatheevu in March.

Apart from releasing the arrested fishermen, the governments of the two countries should fix a date for the earliest meeting of the Joint Working Group, which last took place in December 2020. They should also facilitate the resumption of talks at the fishermen level, especially in Tamil Nadu and the northern provinces. Sri Lanka must act as its citizens in the north are bearing the brunt of the acts of alleged infringement. In addition, its affirmative actions will be in line with what was agreed by the Prime Ministers of India and Sri Lanka at the virtual summit in September 2020 – to “continue engagement to address fishermen-related issues through regular consultations and bilateral channels”. New Delhi should also consider providing additional incentives and concessions to fishermen from Palk Bay districts of Tamil Nadu to get a better response for its deep sea fishing project. It can also offer assistance to the fishermen of the Northern Province as a gesture of goodwill. There is no dearth of ideas in the area of ​​Palk Bay fisheries conflict, but not enough action is needed on the part of stakeholders.