THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the table of the House
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (d) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 514 REGARDING THE “ATTACKS ON INDIAN FISHERMEN” FOR ANSWER ON 29.04.2015
(a) & (b) From time to time, there have been reports of apprehending of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters. As per available information, 37 Indian fishermen apprehended on fishery related violations in Sri Lankan waters on 3rd April 2015 remain in Sri Lankan custody. Since January 2014, the total number of Indian fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan authorities is 964. Of these, 927 have been released. In the last one year there have been six cases of alleged attack on Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters, which have been taken up with the Government of Sri Lanka.
As regards Pakistan, as per the available information, there are 303 fishermen believed to be Indian Nationals in Pakistani jails. Of these, 126 fishermen have been confirmed as Indian and nationality confirmation of the remaining 177 fishermen is under process. Since January 2014, the number of Indian fishermen released by Pakistan is 357.
(c) & (d) Government attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. As soon as reports of apprehending of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy are received, the Government, through diplomatic channels, takes up the matter with the Government of Sri Lanka to secure early release and repatriation of apprehended Indian fishermen. 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. Government is steadfastly working, in close cooperation, with the relevant stakeholders for the expeditious release of thirty seven Indian fishermen from Sri Lankan custody.
As agreed during the meeting between Prime Minister and Sri Lankan President Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, Fishermen Association talks have also been held with Sri Lanka on 24 March 2015 in Chennai. Proposals suggested by the Indian fishermen during the meeting could form the basis of a mutually acceptable long-term solution to the issue. A response on the proposals is awaited from the Sri Lankan Fishermen Association.
As regards Pakistan, Government regularly takes up with the Pakistan authorities the issue of the early release and repatriation of apprehended Indian fishermen as well as providing regular consular access to them. Pakistan has provided consular access to all of them. Government also, on a continuing basis, monitors the status of all such Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails. The India – Pakistan Judicial Committee consisting of retired judges from both countries visits jails in both countries to ensure humane treatment and expeditious release of prisoners, including fishermen, who have completed their prison term.
Government remains engaged with the Governments of Sri Lanka and Pakistan with a view to ensuring that fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.
