Mumbai, May 10 (UNI) Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Maharashtra state fisheries department has issued warnings to the fishing community not to venture out near oil rigs and the offshore defence areas on the 877.97km long Maharashtra coastline.

The Indian Navy held a crucial meeting with the fishermen community from Mumbai and Konkan region, the fisheries department, Coastal Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Coast Guard with an advisory against fishing in sensitive areas.

“The high alert with ‘shoot to kill’ instructions on violation of entering prohibited areas was discussed in the high level meeting,” said a senior Maharashtra official coordinating with security agencies.

Credible intelligence has been shared with the state government of some fishing boats from Gujarat seized by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and the fishermen released on the high seas in a single trawler. The seized fishing vessel might be used to sneak near Mumbai and adjoining areas for launching attacks with rocket launchers,” said the state official.

The state government is also trying to ensure that most fishing boats are equipped with transponders so that their locations can be tracked, officials said.

The Indian Navy and the coastal police appealed to the fishing community to be their eyes and ears in the Arabian Sea to alert the security agencies of any suspicious activities and vessel movements for a quick response.

Real-time security alerts and intelligence is being shared with the police, coast guard, Indian Navy and the coast police to swiftly neutralise threats using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” confirmed another senior police officer.

Fishermen have been told to inform authorities immediately if they spot any missing boat, he said.

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