India expresses concern at detention of fishermen by Sri Lanka, seeks early release
On Monday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended and arrested 14 Indian fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu for allegedly fishing in the Sri Lankan waters. On
Total Views |
New Delhi, December 22: Expressing concern over the detention of 68 Indian fishermen and 10 boats by Sri Lankan authorities since the weekend, India has said steps are being taken for their early release.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India was “concerned at the detention of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by Sri Lankan authorities” during December 18-20. “As per our information, 68 fishermen and 10 boats have been taken into custody,” he said.
“Our high commission in Colombo has taken up the issue of early release of the Indian fishermen and boats with the government of Sri Lanka,” Bagchi added.
Officials from India’s consulate in Jaffna have met the detained fishermen and are “providing all necessary support”. This includes providing clothes, toiletries, snacks, dry essentials, and masks to the fishermen, and facilitating phone calls to their relatives.
The Indian officials are also arranging legal representation. “In the case of one fisherman who was indisposed, the Indian consular officer has visited him in the hospital to check on his welfare,” Bagchi said.
He said the external affairs minister had received representations on the issue from various political parties. Jaishankar was also called on the matter by the Tamil Nadu chief minister, and the external affairs minister “has apprised them all of the current situations and underlined government of India’s efforts to secure early release” of the fishermen, Bagchi said.
On Monday, the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended and arrested 14 Indian fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu for allegedly fishing in the Sri Lankan waters. On Sunday, in rather strong action, the Sri Lankan Navy seized eight fishing boats and 55 Indian fishermen off the coast of Tamil Nadu.
Earlier state chief minister MK Stalin wrote to external affairs minister S Jaisankar regarding this matter. Stalin sought the Central government’s intervention for the release of the fishermen.
.
.