A meeting of fishermen representatives of India and Sri Lanka, aimed at resolving the vexed issue of traditional fishing rights in Palk Straits, today seemed to have made some headway, but both sides were tightlipped on what transpired in the closed-door meet held in the presence of government representatives from the two countries.
Briefing reporters after the day-long discussions, one representative each from both country - U Arulanandam from India and Sri Lanka's Sathasivam - said the talks went on "smoothly" and the decisions taken at the meeting would be communicated to the respective governments.
Arulanandam said there was good progress in talks and indicated that the decisions will be released only by the respective governments.
In the brief media interaction, Sathasivam echoed Arulanandam and said that "certain decisions" have been taken, which will be communicated to governments of both countries.
They also parried questions on the contentious issue of Katchatheevu, an islet ceded by India to Colombo in 1974.
The talks were held to find a solution to the dispute over fishing in the Palk Straits which has seen Tamil Nadu fishermen coming under alleged attacks and detentions by Lankan Navy frequently.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had on Saturday made it clear that today's talks will be held without prejudice to a case pending in Supreme Court on Katchatheevu issue by her.
She had said the talks would be based on a five point agenda which would include stressing the traditional fishing rights of Tamil fishermen in the Palk Straits, ending the assault on them and confiscation of their boats.
