Fishermen cautioned against trespassing into Lankan waters

Kozhikode, Feb 15 (UNI) The Marine Enforcement and Vigilance (MEV) has cautioned fishermen against venturing into Sri Lankan waters, in view of the volatile situation in the island nation.

MEV sources today said various boat owners' associations were asked to forbid the fishermen from crossing Indian territorial waters, following receipt of an official communique, which stated that 'north-eastern waters' of that country have been declared a 'no-fishing zone.' Besides, patrolling had been intensified along the coast to check movement of any suspected elements.

According to a Home Ministry circular quoting a Coast Guard report, the 'north eastern waters of Sri Lanka are considered very unsafe for movement of Indian fishing boats as the Sri Lankan Government imposed a ban on fishing all around the island within 12 nautical miles from the Lankan coast, following active operation against LTTE.' UNI PCH VD KP1715