Chennai, June 19 -- Sri Lankan Muslim Congress leader and Member of Parliament Rauff Hakeem, currently on a goodwill visit to India, on Friday advocated for a balanced approach to the long-standing fisheries dispute between India and Sri Lanka.

Emphasising the need to prioritise the "humanitarian and livelihood angle" of fishing communities, Hakeem urged a coordinated effort between the Tamil Nadu government, the Indian central government, and Sri Lankan authorities.

He acknowledged that despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, it remains a recurring point of tension. A central complication in diplomatic efforts is the continued use of bottom trawling, a practice strictly prohibited under Sri Lankan law.

While the legal aspects ...