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Press Trust of India / New Delhi September 06, 2012, 15:35
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No Indian fisherman is in Sri Lankan custody and the government is
engaged with the neighbouring nation to ensure that the fisherfolk carry on
their livelihood safely, Parliament was informed today.
"Presently, there are no Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody on
fisheries related charges. However, some Indian nationals have been arrested in
Sri Lankan waters on charges of smuggling narcotics and contrabands,"
External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in Rajya Sabha.
He said officials from Indian High Commission in Colombo and Consulate
in Jaffna are in regular touch with detained Indian nationals and extending all
possible consular and legal assistance to them, he said.
Amid uproar in the House, Krishna tabled the statement in response to a
Calling Attention Motion by V Maitreyan (AIADMK) and another member.
He said the government and the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka
have consistently taken up issues relating to incidents of firing or
apprehension of Indian fishermen with Sri Lankan government so that its navy
acts with restraint and the fishermen are treated in a humane manner.
"...As soon as the reports of apprehension of Indian fishermen are
received, the government through diplomatic channels takes up the matter of
their expeditious release and repatriation with Sri Lankan authorities,"
he said.
"As a result, fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy have
been released and repatriated expeditiously," he said.
The minister said India continues to remain engaged with Sri Lanka to
ensure fishermen on both sides "continue to pursue their livelihood in a
safe, secure and sustainable manner". (MORE)
