It’s bilateral, says Centre on Tamil Nadu fishermen’s issues with Sri Lankan authorities

“Bilateral in nature “ - this is how the Union government views issues being faced by Tamil Nadu fishermen with Sri Lankan authorities.

Answering a query by Mayiladuthurai’s Member of Parliament R. Sudha whether the government had planned to take up the fishermen’s problem with the International Court of Justice,  the Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response on Friday, stated that discussions were held bilaterally between India and Sri Lanka at various levels. Further, there were institutionalised mechanisms such as the Joint Working Group on Fisheries between India and Sri Lanka, involving various stakeholders from both sides, which met periodically to discuss the entire gamut of issues related to fishermen from both countries.

To  another question fielded by former Union Minister A. Raja  on the  numbers of apprehended Indian (Tamil Nadu) fishermen and boats/trawlers,  Mr Singh answered that as  on November 22,  there were 141 fishermen - 45 under trial and  96 serving sentences - being kept under the custody of the Sri Lankan authorities. Likewise, 198 vessels were lying in the neighbouring country.  “With sustained diplomatic efforts, the government has secured the release of and repatriation of 363 fishermen, with an additional 12 fishermen released and currently in the process of being repatriated,” the Union Minister observed, adding that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar,  during his visit to Colombo on October 4, discussed the matter with the new political leadership of Sri Lanka. 

Besides,  the Sri Lankan government had been “repeatedly requested” to treat the fishermen issue as “a humanitarian and livelihood concern.” It had been stressed [by India] that force should not be used under any circumstances, Mr Singh pointed out.

Published - November 29, 2024 06:36 pm IST