Fishermen in Mumbai undergo vigilance training

Mumbai, Dec 23 (ANI): With intelligence inputs suggesting that the Mumbai attackers had come via the sea route, police in Mumbai are imparting training to fishermen and coastguards.

Fishermen said that the government had ignored their warnings four months ago about militants using sea routes to land explosives in Mumbai with help from the city's underworld.

Officials say that the militants, who killed at least 179 people, appeared to have dodged the coast guard by hijacking an Indian fishing trawler.

Authorities have assigned policemen at various points along the sea shores and beaches to provide training to the fishermen.

Fishermen have been asked to cooperate in all possible ways.

"Ever since the attacks on Taj Hotel and Oberoi Hotel, these people are teaching us. They told us that if we see any suspicious people, we should immediately get in touch with the police. We have been equipped with phones also," said Sharad Thakur, a fisherman.

Regular training sessions are being conducted to equip the fishermen and coastguards to identify strangers and foreign vessels intruding the Indian waters.

"The police have taught us how to wear these life jackets when we go into the waters. They are also conducting regular training sessions," said Rajikant Mhashelkar, a lifeguard. By Sharik (ANI)