March 14, 2002

'33'

INTRUSION OF PAKISTANI FISHERMEN

    No incident of intrusion of Pakistani fishermen by Pakistani Navy in Western Coast has come to notice. However, details of the Pakistani fishing boats etc apprehended by Coast Guard in Indian Waters are as under :-

None of the fishing vessels/boats apprehended by Coast Guard was found to be carrying any arms/ammunitions/narcotics.

Coast Guard in coordination with the Navy undertake patrol off Western Coast as a part of ongoing operation for coastal security.

The Government is committed to discuss all issues with Pakistan at appropriate level as and when the talks are resumed.

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shri Dilipkumar Mansukhlal Gandhi in Lok Sabha today.