NEW DELHI: As many as 216 Indian fishermen are under the custody of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Iran, parliament was informed on Friday.
Based on the information received from the External Affairs Ministry, “209 Indian and believed to be Indian fishermen” are under the custody of Pakistan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Pratap Chandra Sarangi said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Five Indian fishermen are in custody in Sri Lanka and two in Iran, he added.
“Government attaches highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. The matter of apprehension of Indian fishermen and their fishing boats is raised at the highest levels and strong protests are lodged in the countries concerned,” the Minister said. (AGENCIES)
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