Fishers demand continuous Coast Guard patrols off Colachel coast
The Kerala government is evaluating financial compensation for fishermen after vessels and equipment were reportedly attacked by Tamil Nadu boats.
The Kerala State government has promised decisive intervention and legal action following attacks on fishing vessels and fishers near the Colachel and Muttom coasts, according to The Hindu.
Minister Shibu Baby John told representatives of the fishing community that the State will take strict measures to protect local fishers and their livelihoods. He said the government is looking into providing financial compensation to those whose boats, nets, GPS systems, and navigational equipment were damaged or destroyed.
Fishers alleged they were attacked approximately 60 nautical miles off the Colachel and Muttom coastlines. They claimed crew members on Tamil Nadu fishing boats confronted them in deep-sea waters and destroyed their gear.
The fishing community has submitted demands for full monetary compensation, continuous Coast Guard surveillance in the Colachel and Muttom sectors, and administrative protocols to prevent future mid-sea aggressions by vessels from neighbouring states.
Minister Shibu Baby John stated that individuals taking the law into their own hands will not be permitted. He confirmed he has spoken with the Kanyakumari Collector regarding the attacks and that formal requests for legal action have been lodged.
The Kollam District Collector has been instructed to liaise with the Kanyakumari District Collector to launch a joint legal inquiry and enforce accountability against those involved in the attacks.