Fish workers’ organisations in Kerala have raised concern about the Union Home Ministry’s plan to bring 1,200 fishing harbours and landing sites in the country under the oversight of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). (Photo for representation)
Fish workers’ organisations in Kerala have raised concern about the Union Home Ministry’s plan to bring 1,200 fishing harbours and landing sites in the country under the oversight of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).The All India Fishers and Fisheries Workers’ Federation (AIFFWF), affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), which has condemned the move, said that the move infringes on the rights of the fishing community.As part of the plan which has the stated aim of fortifying and securing India’s coastline, the CISF will provide the security template and guide the local administration in managing the security protocol in the fishing harbours. This would involve several measures from regulating the movement of fisherfolk through biometric attendance system to providing smart ID cards.Pulluvila Stanley, general secretary of the AIFFWF, told The Hindu that the new plan could affect even the peculiar way of life of traditional fishworker families, affecting their culture and freedoms.'Intrusion into fishers’ lives'“Turning nearly 1,200 fishing harbours and landing sites into security controlled zones under the Union Home Department is not just a policy shift , it is a direct intrusion into the lives and rights of India’s fisherfolk. These coasts are homes, workplaces and lifelines for millions. Imposing biometric surveillance, tracking and centralised control without consultation is more about control than about safety. It treats fisherfolk as subjects of suspicion rather than citizens with rights and dignity. We will not accept our coasts being turned into zones of surveillance and control. We will organise a strong campaign against this move which could affect the daily lives of the fisher folk,” he said.According to the AIFFWF, even though maritime sovereignty rests with the Union government, the regulation of fishing and coastal livelihoods up to 12 nautical miles has long been under the domain of the State governments. The Union Home Ministry’s plan thus undermines federal principles, bypasses States and disregards the voices of coastal communities.The organisation says it would stand united with fisher communities across the country in resisting policies that threaten the livelihoods, autonomy and rights of the fishing community. Published - June 01, 2026 08:14 pm IST
