Tamil Nadu government has announced a five-point agenda for the bilateral talks between fishermen of India and Sri Lanka scheduled for Monday. It wants free fishing rights for Tamil Nadu’s fishermen in Palk Bay, irrespective of the territorial water boundaries.

The talks, which will be held on DMS campus in Teynampet, will see participation of state fisheries minister K A Jayapal, fisheries secretary S Vijayakumar and a team of officials as observers, said an official release.

One of the agendas is to discuss the earlier commitment given by Sri Lankan authorities that their navy would desist from attacking Indian fishermen on the high seas. No abduction, detention and arrest of fishermen should be done and their boats and equipment should not be seized, it said.

“The fishermen will discuss ways and means to speedily and smoothly facilitate the repatriation of Indian fishermen abducted by the Sri Lankan navy, along with their boat, besides appraisal of suitable fishing methods in the Palk Bay,” the release said. Methods of enhancing fish wealth for long-term sustainable livelihood would be discussed by sharing information on natural disasters and environment-friendly fishing methods between both sides.

The state government had informed the Centre that the fishermen talks would not compromise the stand already taken by the state in the writ petition in the Supreme Court regarding India’s territorial sovereignty over Katchatheevu.

“The resolutions to be passed in the talks will be subject to the clearance of the TN government,” it said.

Twelve representatives from Tamil Nadu, one from Puducherry and 12 from Sri Lanka will participate in the talks. - TOI