Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
3. Fishing issues continue to be an ever-present sore in India-Sri Lanka relations and needs long term, mutually amicable solutions. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Sri Lankan Navy on December 19 seized eight Indian fishing vessels and arrested 55 fishermen on the charge of poaching.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the Palk bay conflict, its impact on Indo-Lankan relations and suggest measures to resolve it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the providing context in brief, about the Palk bay conflict between India and Sri Lanka.
Body:
In the first part, give context, causes and various facets to the conflict – island of Katchatheevu, frequent poaching by Indian fisherman in Sri Lankan waters, and the damaging economic and environmental effects of trawling. Bring out the impact the issue has on Indo-Lankan relations.
In the next part, mention various steps taken to address this issues which have not been fruitful in resolving the issue – setting up of Joint Working Group (JWG).
Suggest steps in which the issue can be resolved peacefully and amicably. Replacing trawlers with deep sea fishing vessels, ban on unsustainable fishing, joint patrolling, orderly sharing of and sustainable use of resources by fishermen from both sides and de-politicization of the issue etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
