Talks fail to resolve purse seine net row

Talks held with fishermen groups, both supporting and opposing the ban on purse seine nets, ended inconclusive. After fishermen from Nagapattainam and Cuddalore announced ‘suicide’ protest, security was tightened in both the districts.

On Thursday evening, officials from the fisheries department and police held marathon talks with members from the fishermen panchyats and members from 48 villages. While a section demanded to withdraw the ban, another group wanted to continue it. Subsequently, fishermen's panchayat members decided not to use the net until a consensus was reached. However, the fishermen, who backed the use of banned nets, demanded compensation from the government till a decision was made. It is said, each boat uses purse seine net, which costs at least Rs 25 lakh, and they make a group investment to buy it.

Meanwhile, officials resumed the talks on Friday. Fishermen representatives from Pazhaiyar, Poompuhar, Thirumullaivasal, Kottaimedu, Madavamedu and Manmadhan Nagar took part in the talks and the issue. Since it is a sensitive subject and a matter of livelihood, the officials are tackling the situation with utmost care.