NEW DELHI, Mar 18: Government has impressed upon the Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint and not to fire on Indian fishermen sailing along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), Defence Minister A K Antony told the Lok Sabha today.
In written reply to a question in the House, Antony said, “Government continues to remain engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.”
The Defence Minister also said that the government attaches very high priority to welfare, safety and security of Indian fishermen.
“From time to time, there have been reports of attacks and apprehensions on Indian fishermen near IMBL. As soon as reports of attacks on Indian fishermen are received, the government, through diplomatic channels, takes up the matter with the Sri Lankan authorities,” he said.
Antony said the Sri Lankan government has denied involvement of their Navy in these incidents.
“Keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood dimensions of the issue, government has impressed on the Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint, not to fire on our fishermen and treat our fishermen in a humane manner,” he said.
In reply to a question on security of fishermen arrested by Pakistan, Antony said that as on date there are reports of nearly 400 Indian fishermen in Pakistan custody.
“As per available information with the External Affairs Ministry, as on date, there are reports of nearly 400 fishermen, believed to be Indian, in Pakistan custody,” he said.
On steps taken to release them, Antony said, a India- Pakistan Judicial Committee has been set up, consisting of retired judges from both countries to ensure humane treatment and expeditious release of prisoners, including fishermen, who have completed their prison term.
“Due to government’s consistent efforts, 677 Indian fishermen were released by Pakistan in 2012 and seven have been released so far in 2013. 103 fishermen were released in 2011 and 454 in 2010,” Antony said.
On distribution of Distress Alert Transmitters (DAT) to the fishermen, the Defence Minister informed that 798 such instruments were provided in 2009, followed by 980 in 2010.
In reply to a separate query on interceptor boats in Indian Coast Guard (ICG), he said that one boat with new generation arneson surface drive has been commissioned in February 2013.
“14 more interceptor boats with new generation arneson surface drive are under construction for the ICG,” Antony said. (PTI)
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