(a) whether protection of the fishermen in the seas is the responsibility of the Coast Guard;
(b) if so, the extent to which they have performed their duties with sensitivity along the
coastal states including Union Territory of Lakshadweep during the last three years;
(c) whether the Sri Lankan Navy has been attacking and harassing the fishermen over the
years;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the remedial steps being taken by the Government to provide adequate security cover
to them?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (e): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1953 FOR
ANSWER ON 22.11.2010
Indian Coast Guard provides assistance to the Indian fishermen at sea while they are in distress
through regular patrolling. The details include rendering assistance while they are in
distress, preventing fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL),
repatriating the released fishermen across the IMBL and undertaking Community Interaction
Programme. There have been incidents of apprehension and firing upon Indian fishermen
allegedly by the Sri Lanka Navy, which has, however, denied such incidents. Government of
India is in constant touch with Government of Sri Lanka on the issue of safety and security
of Indian fishermen. Both Governments have agreed to put in place practical arrangements
to deal with bonafide Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen crossing the IMBL. Government of Sri
Lanka has been impressed to ensure that the Sri Lankan Navy acts with restraint, not fire on
Indian fishermen and treat Indian fishermen in a humane manner.