Securing Shores: Maharashtra Boosts Fishermen's Role Amid Maritime Tensions

The Maharashtra government has issued security directives to fishermen near Palghar to enhance maritime border safety amid Indo-Pak tensions. The effort follows a meeting with Indian Navy officials to boost coastal surveillance and includes plans to equip boats with tracking transponders.

The Maharashtra government issued stringent security directives to fishermen operating off the Palghar coast to fortify the country's maritime borders amidst rising Indo-Pak tensions. Authorities urge fishermen to remain vigilant and act as custodians for naval security.

After discussions with senior Indian Navy officials, the state is prioritizing enhanced coastal surveillance. Key strategies include equipping fishing boats with transponders for real-time tracking and prohibiting gatherings at identified locations near Palghar, north of Mumbai.

The infamous 2008 Mumbai attacks, facilitated by hijacked Indian fishing boats, underscore the importance of the new measures. Several local boats remain seized by Pakistani authorities for entering their waters unwittingly. Fishermen have been instructed to report any missing or suspicious vessels immediately.

(With inputs from agencies.)