KARWAR: The conflict between INS Kadamba personnel and local fishermen over fishing near the naval base continues, even a decade after the naval base was set up.
Despite repeated warnings, the fishermen continue to go for fishing near Anju island, which falls near the base.
The fishermen have accused the Navy personnel of beating up 20 fishermen, who were fishing near the island. But, the Navy officials denied such allegations and said no such cases were reported near the base during the last one month.
The standoff between Navy and fishermen was started even before commissioning of the Naval base in 2005. Even during the construction of the base, fishing was allowed near the island, which is under the control of the Indian Navy. Fishermen were detained whenever they went close to the island.
The naval officials said the base is a sensitive zone and hence, no public activities, including fishing, have been allowed near the island and the breakwaters. It will soon become the largest naval base in Asia and loaded warships will be stationed here. Therefore, fishing is not allowed near the base.
“Despite many warnings, the fishermen continue to take up fishing near the island. If they come very close to the restricted area, the surveillance team will detain them. After questioning, they will be handed over to the civil police”, he added.