"Lanka must adhere to Geneva Convention and ensure that there is no threat to the lives, limbs and boats of our fishermen. This is crucial and it was made clear in earlier talks as well," S A Mahesh, president, All India Traditional Fishermen's Association told PTI here today.
Mahesh, who participated in the talks between the fishermen of two countries in 2010 and 2011, said that certain key representations were made to the governments of India and Sri Lanka then.
"What happened to these representations," he asked, adding the proposed meeting should start from where it was left.
"Accusation of crossing the International boundary line is meaningless. It is a very narrow stretch. If you take the 12 nautical mile rule, our boundary could even stretch right into Sri Lanka. This should be resolved," he said.
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As regards Lanka's accusation of Tamil Nadu fishermen using banned nets, he said steps were afoot to phase it out completely.
Expressing apprehension that Centre and Lanka could "navigate talks" to suit their own "vested interests," he said the impending general elections was a case in point.
K Bharathi, president, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association referring to the remark of visiting Sri Lanka Fisheries Minister Rajitha Harischandra Senaratne in Delhi that further action (on fishermen's problem) would follow a 2008 proposal of India and Lanka's acceptance of it, alleged that the proposed meeting was a "drama," by Centre.