An official report circulated at the collectors’ conference here in Chennai Thursday (June 19) revealed data on the large-scale incursions by Tamil Nadu fishermen into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, and indicated that the violations occurred even in areas not known to be traditional fishing grounds, The Times of India online edition reported today (June 20).

The report contains maps and naval radar reports showing fishermen crossing the international maritime boundary line (IMBL) not merely close to Kachchativu, the island ceded by India to Sri Lanka in 1974, but deep into Sri Lankan territorial waters and close to its coast. The boats sometimes go as far as the coast off Point Pedro on the northern tip of the Jaffna peninsula and close to towns on Sri Lanka’s western coast like Thalaimannar and Thalawila.

The report prepared by the department of fisheries expressed concern that frequent crossing of the IMBL may result in fishermen being caught in the crossfire in Sri Lanka’s battle against the LTTE. It also said that Indian fishermen and their boats could be apprehended by the island’s navy as well as the LTTE, and the crossings may lead to the Sri Lankan government accusing India’s fishermen of providing “camouflage or cover for illegal operations”.