Udupi: Karnataka is keen to set up a proper inter-state coordination mechanism to deal with complaints of persecution of fishermen from the state. There are at least 10-12 such cases reported annually.

Karnataka fishermen bear the brunt of perceived overzealousness of law enforcement agencies in neighbouring states especially Maharashtra, noted Bhaskar Rao, additional director-general of police (internal security division).

Rao, who reviewed functioning of various wings under ISD wing of Karnataka State Police including Coastal Security Police (CSP), Anti-Naxal Force, Karnataka Industrial Security Force, here on Tuesday told TOI that fishermen leaders raised the issue of persecution by law enforcers whenever they inadvertently ventured in to territorial waters of neighbouring states. “This issue can be amicably resolved by inter-state coordination,” Rao said.

The ISD will also actively pursue a long pending demand of the fishermen community for a sea ambulance with the state government, Rao said. The addition of this facility will come in handy for CSP to deal with drowning emergencies involving fishermen, Rao said, lauding CSP personnel for their will power to overcome the elements and come to the aid of fishermen in recent instances of accidents involving fishing boats in the district.