Andhra fishermen decide to fight intruders from TN in coastal waters

Tirupati: The fishermen community at Isukapalli Palem village in Allur mandal of Nellore district have resolved to confront the fishermen from Tamil Nadu using high-speed mechanised boats in the reserved zone of Andhra Pradesh.

The Isukapalli beach witnessed tense scenes on Saturday after a boat carrying Tamil Nadu fishermen entered the Andhra limits and allegedly tore the ring-nets of the local fishermen.

A heated argument took place between the two groups when the Isukapalli fishermen demanded that TN folks return and stay within their limits. TN fishermen allegedly pelted stones and injured the AP fishermen.

Following this, leaders of the fishermen communities organised a meeting at Isukapalli Palem on Sunday to chalk out plans for preventing entry of TN boats into the Andhra limits for fishing. The leaders decided to hold meetings with their counterparts from the coastal mandals in Bapatla, Prakasam, Nellore and Tirupati districts to discuss their future course.

Taking the issue in all seriousness, the fishermen community leaders decided to fight intruders and capture the boats from Tamil Nadu. They also decided to impose a penalty (locally called Durai) on the errant fishermen.

Recalling the incidents in 2019, when there were clashes between AP and TN fishermen, the leaders pointed out that though the representatives of both the state governments discussed the issue, it remained unsolved.

Meanwhile, the Marine Police and the local authorities held a meeting with leaders of the fishermen community in Allur mandal. They tried to settle the issue and pacify the fishermen, but in vain.

Fishermen leaders expressed their anger over the marine police for not initiating any action against the Cuddalore fishermen who entered Andhra borders for fishing in violation of the zonal restrictions.