1.5.2. The Sir Creek Issue: Significance

♤ Over the years, the creek has also changed its course considerably. If one country agrees to the other’s traditional position, then the former will end up losing a vast amount of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). A vital reason for two countries locking horns over this creek is the possible presence of great oil and gas concentration under the sea, which are currently unexploited thanks to the impending deadlock on the issue.

♤ Because of various factors, the Sir Creek area is also a great fishing destination for hundreds of fishermen from both India and Pakistan. Sir Creek is considered to be among the largest fishing grounds in Asia. In the desperation for a great catch, many of their boats stray across the perceived boundaries, and they end up being arrested by the other side.

♤ Maritime security concerns were heightened since November 2008, when 10 terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba left in a Pakistani boat for Mumbai. They captured an Indian fishing vessel, Kuber, off Sir Creek, and used it to attack Mumbai.

♤ Drug trade: Officials monitoring the phone conversations in the disputed waters off Sir Creek say the indications are that drug cartels are active in the region, and the quantity and frequency show that the area could be among the world’s most active for trading centres.

Map3.4 Siachen Glacier

Source: http://img01.ibnlive.in/ibnlive/uploads/875x584/jpg/2016/03/siachen-map.jpg