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Kolkata, Nov 17 (IANS) The Indian Coast Guard intercepted three Bangladeshi fishing boats inside Indian waters on November 15 and 16, a Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesperson said.
He said 79 fishermen and crew members, including three minors, were taken into custody.
“Indian Coast Guard ships Amrit Kaur and Kamala Devi were on surveillance patrol along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) when they spotted fishing boats in Indian territory,” he said.
The official said they were fishing illegally inside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Bangladeshi boats were operating within two nautical miles of Indian waters. This is a clear indication that no accidental crossover took place.
This violates the Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 (MZI Act). A Defense Ministry spokesperson said the Bangladeshi fishing boats were intercepted, boarded and completely sabotaged by Indian Coast Guard boarding teams.
“The crew of the three Bangladeshi fishing boats had no valid authorization or permit to fish in Indian territorial waters. The fishing gear and catch provided ample evidence that they operated in Indian waters,” he said.
The fishing boats and crew were taken to Fraserganj in West Bengal and handed over to the marine police for necessary legal action, the official said.
“This apprehension highlights the Indian Coast Guard’s continued commitment to safeguard India’s maritime interests, prevent illegal fishing and ensure the safety of Indian fishermen operating in Indian waters,” an official said.
“The Indian Coast Guard maintains constant surveillance in the Bay of Bengal through round-the-clock surface and aerial surveillance to enforce maritime laws and protect national maritime assets,” he said.
At present there are 39 Bangladeshi fishermen in Indian custody. A large number of Indian fishermen are also in the custody of Bangladesh.
–IANS
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