8 - The (In)Security of Fishermen in South Asia

Summary

This chapter examines the security of the fishermen who fish in Indo-Sri Lankan and Indo-Pakistani waters. The chapter does not focus on fishermen who fish in Indo-Bangladesh waters because clashes between them are very minimal. Since fishing is a source of livelihood, and 90 per cent of fishermen live below the poverty line, fishermen go in search of fish wherever they are available. In their pursuit, they can hardly respect maritime boundaries. As is the case everywhere, so it is the case with South Asian fishermen. For instance, Indian fishermen cross maritime boundaries and enter Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi waters. Similarly, Sri Lankan fishermen are crossing their boundary and entering Indian and Maldives waters, while Pakistani fishermen enter Indian waters for fishing. The increasing depletion of fish in the traditional catchment zones further contributes to fishermen crossing into their neighbour's waters. As a result, they are being arrested and punished by authorities on the other side. It is to be noted that in South Asia, India and Sri Lanka have demarcated their maritime boundaries, whereas India is yet to demarcate its boundaries with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

THE PROBLEMS OF FISHERMEN IN INDO-SRI LANKAN WATERS

Before analysing the problems of fishermen in Indo-Sri Lankan waters, it is worthwhile to discuss how India and Sri Lanka demarcated their maritime boundaries.

India and Sri Lanka signed bilateral agreements on the Boundary in Historic Waters in June 1974, and on the maritime boundary in the Gulf of Mannar and the Bay of Bengal in March 1976.

Kachchativu Island

Kachchativu Island, located just south-west of Delft Island in Palk Strait, had been used by the British since 1920 as a naval gunnery practice range. The island is one mile long, 300 yards broad, and has an area of 285.2 acres. It is a barren, uninhabited place, without drinking water. It is important to note that Indian fisherman built a Catholic Church here dedicated to Saint Anthony. The fishermen and pilgrims of both countries used to visit the church in March every year for a religious festival.