Security of the nation cannot be compromised at any cost declared Shri K Babu, Indian Minister for Ports and Fisheries who inaugurated a workshop on coastal security organized jointly by Indian Navy and fisheries department at the Elankunnapuzha Gram Panchayat Hall near Kochi on 17 Feb 13.
The Minister said that Indian Navy, Coast Guard, CISF and other security agencies are true friends of the fishing community reminding them of the countless times the Navy and Coast Guard came to the rescue of people of the state during natural calamities and accidents. He also pointed out that it was the prompt action by the Indian Coast Guard and Navy which ensured that MV Prabhu Daya involved in a collision with a fishing boat early last year was brought before the law. Large numbers of the local population had congregated to listen to the security agencies explaining the rationale behind security restriction around the Kochi Port and other economic assets along the coast.
Shri S Sarma the MLA of the area, who presided over the meeting, said that livelihood of the fishermen and security of the nation are both equally important. He lauded the initiative of the security agencies in reaching out to the coastal population. Commodore MR Ajayakumar Naval Officer in Charge of Kerala explained the security imperatives of vital economic assets along the coast. He also requested them to adhere to the rules of the road at sea to avoid accidents involving merchant ships. On completion of the meeting, Shri Babu inaugurated a medical camp organized by the Navy for the local populace. Nearly 300 residents of the locality derived benefit from the camp where medicines were also provided free of cost. Senior Officials from the Indian Navy, Kochi Port, and Petronet LNG conducted a security briefing for the assembled gathering. Coastal Police force, officials from fisheries department, and people’s representatives from the area attended the event.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 19, 2013; Image: Indian Navy