Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP/SP)

Udupi, Oct 22: Incidents of fishermen from outside Karnataka indulging in violating fishing borders has become usual occurrence. Fishermen from Tamilnadu were fishing in a Kerala boat by using lights in Malpe on Thursday morning.

As fishing with the use of lights is banned and fishing boats from outside the state entered the Karnataka border, the purse seine boat owners in Malpe opposed. The fishermen from outside the state then entered into arguments with Malpe fishermen and ended up damaging Makara Sankranti boat in Malpe.

The boat named 'Indian' from Kerala was brought to the port by the others including the boat owner. Two people sustained injuries in the scuffle that ensued. They were also administered medicine.

The fishermen at Malpe have objected to such incidents that are occurring repeatedly. More than 100 fishing boats that had been for deep-sea fishing returned and the fishermen have urged for suitable action against the violators.

A grim situation prevailed in Malpe port on Thursday morning. The coast guard police and Malpe police personnel arrived at the spot and took control of the situation.

“Penalty of several lac rupees has been imposed when the fishing borders of Kerala are violated. Therefore, the violators in this incident should be also punished and the cost for damaging the boat should be also recovered,” urged the owner of Makara Sankranti fishing boat.

The boat named 'Indian' does not have any registration documents. It is said to be belonging to a person named Farooq from Kerala.

Purse Seine Boat Fishermen’s Association secretary, Naveen Kotian, said that over a hundred boats from other states have been undertaking light fishing and using spathes to catch fish illegally but the Coast Guard which is aware of this activity, has been turning a blind eye.

Coastal Security Force superintendent of police Praveen Nayak, inspector Ratnakumar, Udupi police circle inspector Manjunath, deputy director of fisheries Ganesh K, senior assistant director Shivakumar and assistant director Payal, visited the spot and verified the details.

Both Purse Seine Fishermen's Association and owner of Makara Sankranthi boat have filed complaints in Malpe police station and a case has been registered. Fishermen leader had drawn the attention of fisheries minister, Kota Srinivas Poojary, about the illegal catching of cuttlefish near the shore and disposing them off at Malpe and the inaction of the officials in handling these illegal operators.