The central government has taken up with Sri Lanka the issue of illegal fishing by Sri Lankan fishermen in Indian waters, a top Indian coast guard official said last week.
The number of Sri Lankan boats being seized in Indian waters has gone up compared to 2008 with 116 boats “apprehended†last year, Rajasekhar, IG, Commander, eastern region coast guard, said.
“The Coast Guard has taken up the matter with the Centre which has in turn taken it up with Sri Lankan government,†he told reporters.
Rajasekhar said the Sri Lankan fishermen ventured into Indian waters, especially off Chennai, for catching tuna fish.
“We are a bit concerned over this,†he said.
Asked whether they posed a security threat and were ‘vulnerable’ to be used by anti-national elements, he said, "we have checked that up and there has been no problem... (but) yes, they can be vulnerable and that cannot be ruled out completely but as of now we don't have a problem."
To address ‘force-level requirements’, especially post 26/11 Mumbai attacks, he said 40 ships, 20 boats and 42 aircraft have been sanctioned for the coast guard.
