ISD moots inter-state coordination to deal with persecution of Karnataka fishermen

UDUPI: Karnataka is keen to set up a proper inter-state coordination mechanism to deal with complaints of persecution of fishermen from the state. There are at least 10-12 such cases reported annually.
Karnataka fishermen bear the brunt of perceived over zealousness of law enforcement agencies in neighbouring states especially Maharashtra, noted Bhaskar Rao, additional director-general of police (internal security division).
Rao, who reviewed functioning of various wings under ISD wing of Karnataka State Police including Coastal Security Police (CSP), Anti-Naxal Force, Karnataka Industrial Security Force, here on Tuesday told TOI that fishermen leaders raised the issue of persecution by law enforcers whenever they inadvertently ventured in to territorial waters of neighbouring states. “This issue can be amicably resolved by inter-state coordination,” Rao said.
The ISD will also actively pursue a long pending demand of the fishermen community for a sea ambulance with the state government, Rao said. The addition of this facility will come in handy for CSP to deal with drowning emergencies involving fishermen, Rao said, lauding CSP personnel for their will power to overcome the elements and come to the aid of fishermen in recent instances of accidents involving fishing boats in the district.
CSP will be provided with jet skis to boost their shallow water rescue efforts, he said. CSP will also take a proactive stand against people found polluting the Seas up to the limits where its jurisdiction extends both on land and on Sea, Rao said. CSP will also take stringent action in its area of jurisdiction with other statutory enactments including NDPS Act, IT Act in a concerted effort to go after drug peddlers operating in real and virtual words.
In addition, CSP will also take up community oriented activities to get stakeholders on board such as beach cleaning, beach volleyball, Rao said. The focus will be on re-energising these wings of state government and meet expectations of the stakeholders in the new normal, Rao said. Each of the units attached to ISD will strive to execute the charter of duties assigned to it and will not be allowed to be bogged down by the raging pandemic, he asserted.