Port Blair: With fishermen often being the first to spot unusual movements at sea, authorities are stepping up efforts to transform the Islands’ fishing community into vigilant guardians of the coastline, strengthening maritime security through awareness, cooperation and timely intelligence sharing. In a significant initiative aimed at bolstering coastal security and maritime vigilance, a Fishermen Watch Group meeting was organised at Talbagan Community Hall on June 6 under the leadership of SI Shibendra Halder, SHO of Kalighat Police Station.
The programme brought together around 50 fishermen from Talbagan, Kishorinagar, Paschimsagar, Haren Nallah and Gopen Nallah, besides local Sagar Mitras, representatives of Gram Panchayat Paschimsagar and PMF personnel. The meeting focused on sensitising the fishing community about their crucial role in safeguarding the Islands’ vast coastline against illegal and suspicious activities.
Addressing the gathering, the SHO highlighted the importance of coastal security measures, maritime vigilance and the need for fishermen to remain alert while venturing into the sea. Participants were urged to promptly report any suspicious movements, unidentified vessels or unusual activities observed along the coastline or in territorial waters.
Officials underscored that fishermen, owing to their regular presence at sea, serve as the eyes and ears of security agencies and can provide vital information that may help prevent illegal activities, including poaching, smuggling and other maritime offences. The gathering was also briefed on ongoing anti-poaching efforts and how timely inputs from fishermen have contributed significantly to several successful enforcement operations in the past.
To acknowledge their valuable role in protecting marine resources and strengthening coastal security, selected fishermen were honoured with appreciation certificates and cash rewards sanctioned by Police Headquarters. The recognition served as a reminder of the critical partnership between law enforcement agencies and coastal communities in maintaining maritime safety and security.
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The programme reinforced the message that effective coastal surveillance is not the responsibility of security agencies alone but requires active public participation, particularly from the fishing community, whose vigilance can play a decisive role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers.
