Talks between the representatives of fishermen from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Sri Lanka held at Delhi on Wednesday concluded on a cordial note, although no decision was taken.  However, representatives of fishermen from Tamil Nadu are hoping for a breakthrough on the contentious issues between the two sides during the inter-ministerial talks between Lanka and India scheduled for November 5.

The talks held at Jawahar Bhavan, New Delhi went on for more than four hours.  

“Though no conclusion was arrived after the discussions, both sides decided to meet on a regular basis. As such, the next round of talks is likely to be held soon,” official sources said.

“While the Indian side argued, they have the right to fish in their traditional waters, Lankan side highlighted the trawling issue,” sources said, adding the views expressed during the discussions would be taken up for further discussions.

One of the veteran leaders who took part in the talks told Express, “Lankan side reiterated trawling issues while Tamil Nadu side had sought some time to shift to deep sea fishing.  We have also urged the Lankan side to release our boats seized by them immediately. We insisted that  the Tamil Nadu fishermen should not be harassed at mid-sea and the Lankan Navy should desist from attacking them.”

Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar,  Fisheries Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi, Beela Rajesh, Fisheries Commissioner and 12 representatives of fishermen from Tamil Nadu were present at the talks, while the Lankan side was represented by 10 representatives apart from Minister at Sri Lankan High Commission, Kapila Fonseka and four officials.

(The New Indian Express)