RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1958
TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.12.2019
ARREST OF INDIAN FISHERMEN BY SRI LANKAN ARMY
1958. SHRI A.VIJAYAKUMAR:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether Government is aware of increase in arrest of Indian Fishermen by Sri Lankan armed forces;
(b) if so, the number of Indian Fishermen arrested and jailed in Sri Lanka;
(c) the efforts taken by Government to release Indian fishermen; and
(d) whether there is any proposal to develop any mechanism to alert fishermen not to cross International Maritime Border in Indian Ocean/Bay of Bengal?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]
(a) to (d) Indian fishermen are arrested from time to time by the authorities of Sri Lanka for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. With sustained diplomatic efforts the Government has secured
the release of 2082 Indian fishermen and 380 fishing vessels from the custody of Sri Lanka since May 2014. Currently, there are 50 boats and 1 Indian fisherman in Sri Lankan custody. During his recent visit to India, President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Gotabaya
Rajapaksa, assured that Sri Lanka would take steps to release the boats belonging to Indian fishermen in their custody.
Government attaches the highest priority to the safety and security of Indian Fishermen. As soon as reports of apprehension of Indian fishermen are received, the Government through diplomatic channels takes up the matter with the Sri Lankan authorities.
Government of India has assisted in the installation of 507 transponders by the Government of Tamil Nadu in mechanised fishing boats to alert fishermen on the location of the IMBL on pilot basis. Further, assistance is being provided to fishermen for obtaining
safety kits which consist of GPS, communication equipment, Distress Alert Transmitter (DAT), life-saving appliances (VHF radiotelephones) for use in case of emergencies.
***