Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Agreement to do justice to both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen' that was published in Newsband

Agreement to do justice to both Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen

There was an agreement between India and Sri Lanka on establishing a Joint Working Group on fisheries to resolve the dispute between fishermen of both countries. The points agreed on are important: a hotline between the Coast Guards of both countries, a meeting of the JWG once in three months, and a meeting of the fisheries ministers every six months. It was also agreed that there would be no violence or loss of life of fishermen.  

Tamil Nadu should show greater understanding of the plight of the Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen, who are economically weaker and yet to fully recover from a devastating war. This is a humanitarian problem and needs to be deftly handled by all concerned, looking at the Social and Human needs

Every year, arresting of our fishermen by Sri Lankan government is common and later releasing them and their boats without any legal formalities is also common. This is causing lenience to our Indian fishermen and a concern to Sri Lankan fishermen. Hence, it is the need of the hour to enter in to agreement between India and Sri Lanka on establishing a Joint Working Group on fisheries to effectively resolve the disputes between fishermen of both the countries. An effective communication systems should be implemented whenever our fishermen crosses the border in Palk Strait to prevent violence or loss of life of fishermen. We should earn our livelihood peacefully, without causing disturbance to our neighbour.

It is better if the territorial rights are observed. Another important facet is fishermen should be treated as fishing for their livelihood and not indulging in extraneous activities including agency for big business both legitimate and illegitimate nevertheless amounting to deprivation of the livelihood of the least cared for segment struggling to emerge from the after effects of a protracted confrontations, injured, isolated and deprived. The Nelsonian nod or the confrontational front by either side should be sorted out and the fisherfolks should be allowed to enjoy the traditional rights without infringing on the rights of either. Asserting rights enjoyed in the war time context should not be the basis for sorting out. Main thing is it is a human problem to be viewed for humane action with long interest one of which is the continuity and replenishing of the oceanic wealth which is paramount more to the Island minorities than the superpower in the making.

Apart from fishing by both countries fisherman, overexploitation of resource is restricted. The Palk Bay is very rich in resource and some genes of fishes like Prawn. These fishes are very high in-demand in International market due to which both countries fisherman over exploit this resource. A need for proper planning and proper use of resource is needed urgently to get alternative for fisherman to earn money apart from fishing. This helps to resolve conflict of International maritine violation issues.

Both sides should recognize the genuine livelihood perspectives of the other side and both should agree to a practical long-term arrangement. It is possible only if rank selfishness is downsized.