The Indian government has reported to Parliament that 83 Indian fishermen are currently in judicial custody in Sri Lanka. These fisherme...
The Indian government has reported to Parliament that 83 Indian fishermen are currently in judicial custody in Sri Lanka. These fishermen were apprehended for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. Additionally, four Indian fishermen are serving sentences, and 169 Indian fishing vessels have been seized by Sri Lankan authorities.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, addressed the issue in a written response to a question in the Rajya Sabha. He also acknowledged a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister dated July 11, 2024, requesting the release of 80 fishermen and 173 fishing boats detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Singh explained that upon receiving reports of such apprehensions, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka promptly engages with the Sri Lankan government through diplomatic channels. Consular officials regularly meet the detained fishermen, providing necessary support, including legal assistance, to facilitate their early release and repatriation.
Historical Context: The issue of fishermen crossing the IMBL and getting detained has been a longstanding problem between India and Sri Lanka. The genesis of this matter dates back to the 1974 agreement between the Indian central government and the state government of Tamil Nadu. This agreement sought to define the maritime boundaries, but the lack of precise demarcation and the traditional fishing practices of Indian fishermen have led to frequent crossings into Sri Lankan waters.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue: Meetings of the Joint Working Group (JWG) between India and Sri Lanka on fisheries are periodically held to address issues related to fishermen. The last JWG meeting took place in 2022, where both sides discussed relevant fisheries issues in detail, including concerns regarding the fishermen and their boats. These meetings aim to find a collaborative solution to minimize the incidents of detentions and ensure the safety and livelihood of fishermen.
Current Situation: Singh emphasized that whenever letters from political representatives or state governments on these matters are received, the Union government ensures they are informed of the current situation and the steps taken by Indian diplomatic missions abroad. The Union government remains committed to addressing the humanitarian and livelihood concerns arising from the detentions.
Immediately after the reports of apprehension are received, “our High Commission through diplomatic channels” takes up the matter with the government of Sri Lanka, he added. “In addition, our consular officials meet the detained fishermen regularly and provide all necessary support, including legal assistance to the apprehended fishermen. Our officials are working for the early release and repatriation of these fishermen,” the Minister of State for External Affairs said in the response.
Calls for Transparency and Action: The matter has also attracted attention from other political and social leaders. Colombian President Petro expressed concerns about the doubts surrounding the electoral process, warning that it could lead to "violent polarization" in Venezuela. He urged for transparency and swift resolution to prevent further escalation.
Moving Forward: With sustained diplomatic efforts and cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, there is hope that a long-term solution can be found to address the issues faced by fishermen. The focus remains on ensuring their safety, upholding their livelihoods, and maintaining amicable relations between the two nations.
The Indian government continues to work towards resolving the matter, ensuring the welfare of the fishermen and seeking their early release from Sri Lankan custody.
No comments