In the light of recent detention of 19 Indian fishermen by Diego Garcia for alleged trespassing into the British island in the Indian Ocean, Kerala government today asked its fishers to be extremely cautious while fishing in sea.
The 19 fishermen, including 12 from Tamil Nadu and one from Assam, were detained off the coast of Diego Garcia on May 27 and released on June 20.
Speaking at a function here today after meeting the six released Keralite fishermen, Kerala Fisheries Minister J Mercykutty Amma said they should be extremely cautious and not enter foreign territory.
The central government has warned the fishermen that strict action would be taken against "constant trespassing" and the Diego Garcia authorities have also warned of stern measures against such transgressions, the Minister said. Efforts will be made to create more awareness among the fishermen about the permissible area they can operate, she said in a press release here.
As a first step in this regard, as per the Centre's direction, a meeting of officials of External Affairs Ministry and British High Commission Officials and fishermen organisations would be convened, she said.
The Keralite fishermen hailed from coastal hamlets of Poovar and Poonthura near here.
