The navy will be placed on alert to arrest Indian fishermen if they attempt to force their way into Sri Lankan waters, the military said today.
Indian fishermen have threatened to cross into Sri Lankan waters on August 2 in protest over the navy arresting Indian fishermen.
Militarily spokesman and Director of the Media Centre of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasooriya said that Indian fishermen had made similar threats even on earlier occasions but never went ahead with it.
However he said even if the Indians go ahead with their plans then the Sri Lanka navy will be on standby to apprehend them.
The Indians have said they will attempt to land on the disputed Kachaitivu island.
Wanigasooriya said that Indian fishermen cross into Sri Lankan waters almost on a daily basis yet they are prevented from proceeding further by the navy.
“Sometimes between 500 – 600 Indians cross into Sri Lankan waters,” the navy spokesman said.
The navy had this week arrested 50 Indian fishermen for poaching in Sri Lankan waters and also seized seven boats used by the fishermen.
Repeated attempts to resolve the issue between fishermen of both countries have failed with both sides refusing to agree to some demands. (Colombo Gazette)