MuchAwaited Result received! Tamil Nadu released all SL fishermen

There was a big noise from the fisheries ministry to visit India to dialogue on Indian Trawler issue to ban permanently to cross SL waters. This is very good decision by both the government. This was much awaited matter as fisheries organizations who are promoting bottom up approach on fisheries governance. Also this is the result we expected and of course we expect this to happen before the Christmas. But at the time of the protest of fisher people on 17th December, fisheries minister told to the members of the arrested families that the responsibility to release fishermen is not him and only the foreign affairs ministry should intervene. So, the fisheries ministry is responsible for fisheries governance and the minister and his officials should attend to them. But, with our surprise there was no any news about Indian trawler issue. How this happened? We had strong belief and we promoted the idea that there should be right persons in this negotiation table and who are representing the aspirations of the Tamil fishermen. Who ever goes he should be clear about the points they discussed and what our position is. So, the agenda was much important as similar as the participants. But in this dialogue both were neglected. Also, we are not sure and doubt the proposed fisher people - fisher people dialogue at TN on 20th. At least now there should be a system adopted for an effective dialogue. There should be some mechanism adopted. Some thing like; Need agenda draft at the consultation among fishermen. Series of discussions to be carried out in 4 coastal districts in the north. Identify the most pressing needs of the people and address them. Get as much as appropriate and responsible people on board. Conduct a national level WS to come to consensus as a nation. Elect most representative leaders to dialogue from any structures formed. Sit with the Indian counterpart for a dialogue. We need to continue this dialogue as a permanent structure for future too.