India Appeals to Sri Lanka to Address Fishermen’s Challenges with a Humanitarian Approach

by Fishery News

Muraleedharan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, has responded to concerns over the repeated incidents of attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. In a reply to queries raised by MDMK President and Rajya Sabha MP Vaiko, the minister highlighted that the Indian government has called on the Sri Lankan government to consider the fishermen’s situation on both humanitarian and livelihood grounds.

Addressing the issue of Indian fishermen facing arrests for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters beyond the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), Muraleedharan mentioned that the Indian government has expressed its concerns through diplomatic channels. The appeal, made on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized the need for both sides to refrain from engaging in attacks under any circumstances.

In the year 2021, 150 Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lanka, and all of them were subsequently released. In 2022, a total of 268 fishermen were arrested, and they were also released. As of the current year, 220 fishermen have been arrested, with 173 already released. Presently, 47 fishermen remain in the custody of the Sri Lankan government.

Highlighting the Indian government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its fishermen, Muraleedharan noted that the Indian embassies in Colombo and Jaffna are providing legal aid to facilitate the prompt release of the detained fishermen. Additionally, he mentioned the organization of a joint committee on fisheries to address the ongoing challenges and tensions in the region.

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