Q.3581 Attack on Indian Fishermen

ill the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Indian fishermen were attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken up this incident with the Sri Lankan authorities; and
(d) if so, the reaction of the Sri Lankan Government thereto?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (d) There have been reports of recent attacks on Indian fishermen allegedly by Sri Lankan Naval personnel. Our Mission has taken up the issue with Sri Lanka strongly. However, Government of Sri Lanka has denied these allegations.

We are constantly in touch with Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) on the issue of safety and security of our fishermen. Further, as soon as such incidents are brought to our notice, the matter is taken up immediately with Government of Sri Lanka on a priority basis. Keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood dimensions of the issue, on 26th October 2008, both sides agreed to put in place practical arrangements to deal with bonafide Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). As part of these practical arrangements, it was decided that there will be no firing on Indian fishermen and vessels and Indian fishing vessels will not tread into sensitive areas designated by GoSL along its coastline. We have impressed on the Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint, not fire on our fishermen and treat our fishermen in a humane manner.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220216811.

Lok Sabha