India doesn't want to punish the marines or Italy, Quilon parish priest says
Kochi (AsiaNews) - "India does not want to punish anyone without reason. We have nothing against the marines, whether they are Italian, German, British or Spanish," Fr Stephen Kulakkayathil told AsiaNews. A former secretary general of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC), he is the parish priest in Quilon. There are no tensions or resentment against the two members of the San Marco Regiment, he said. Last Monday, a judge in Kollam ordered Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone moved to a prison in Trivandrum for the killing of two Indian fishermen, Gelastine and Ajesh Binki. At present, they are being held in section of the prison in accordance with their status.
The decision has been controversial. In Italy, the firm action taken by Indian authorities is seen in terms of domestic politics, i.e. upcoming elections. Hoever, for Fr Kulakkayathil, that is not the case. "It's a by-election. Two months ago a state minister died and he must be replaced."
Unlike this week's elections in Uttar Pradesh and Goa, Kerala elected its state assembly on 13 May 2011. The vote was won by the Congress party with only four seats more than the Communist Party-Marxist.
"Like the Italians, people want to know what really happened," the clergyman said. "We are all waiting for the ballistic tests."
"We are also very much impressed by your Foreign Affairs undersecretary, Staffan de Mistura. We like his way of doing things, seeking dialogue but also defending and comforting the two marines. It's the right attitude."
"If there are doubts, they are of a different kind. Why didn't the ship captain stop?" In Italy, they are asking the same question but no answer has yet been found.
The crux of the matter is about who has jurisdiction, an issue that has not yet been settled.
Under international law, countries can extended their territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles. Beyond that, states can enforce their laws in a 'contiguous zone' of 12 miles, for a total of 24.
Countries can also establish an 'exclusive economic zone' (EEZ) of up to 200 miles, which gives them the right to develop local resources.
"Under Indian law, Indian fishermen can go up to 200 miles to fish," Fr Stephen said. This is the main point. The fishermen (and Indian authorities) say the fishing boat was in the contiguous zone. Under Indian law, it could go into the EEZ.
Until the matter is clarified, the Dioceses of Quilon, Kochi and Trivandrum are planning a protest rally next Monday, not against the government of Italy but against their own government, to demand greater security for fishermen.
"Some 200,000 people will gather to protest in front of government offices in Trivandrum," the clergyman said.
Meanwhile, life is slowly going back to normal for the communities involved. "Gelastine's son is back in school; he has exams to do shortly. Otherwise, not enough time has gone by; the loss of a husband and father are wounds that do not heal quickly." (GM)
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