Indian, Sri Lankan fishermen must talk: CPI-M

The CPI-M Wednesday urged the Indian government to work for a dialogue between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen in order to end the unending attacks on the Indian fishing community.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist also urged New Delhi to intervene immediately to secure the release of 210 Indian fishermen and 70 boats in Sri Lankan custody.

A CPI-M statement expressed "deep concern" over the continuing arrests and

detention in Sri Lanka of fishermen from Tamil Nadu.

"At present there are 210 fishermen and their 70 boats in Sri Lankan custody," it said. "The central government should immediately intervene to secure the release of the fishermen.

"The problems faced by the fishermen of both countries and the crossing of

maritime boundaries have to be discussed and settled.

"This requires a concerted effort by holding talks between representatives of fishermen of both countries and the two governments," it said.

The central government, it said, should "take steps in this direction".