New Delhi, Nov 30 (Agency) Currently, 141 Indian fishermen are in Sri Lankan custody, of whom 45 are under trial while 96 are currently serving sentences, the Lok Sabha was told today. MoS External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in his reply to the Lok Sabha on the question of Attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, said that Indian fishermen are arrested from time to time by Sri Lankan authorities for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Sri Lankan waters. He said that with respect to boats, a total of 198 Indian fishing vessels are presently in Sri Lankan custody. The apprehended Indian fishermen have been provided with all necessary consular and legal assistance by our High Commission in Colombo and Consulate in Jaffna.
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. Government of India attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. Government has been taking up fishermen-related issues, including the early release and repatriation of Indian fishermen and fishing boats, at the highest level. The matter was also raised recently by the External Affairs Minister during his meeting with the new political leadership of Sri Lanka during his visit to Colombo on October 4, he said. The Sri Lankan Government has been repeatedly requested to treat the fishermen issue as a humanitarian and livelihood concern. It has been stressed that force should not be used under any circumstances. Regular meetings of the bilateral Joint Working Group on fisheries, which includes representatives from the Government of Tamil Nadu, are held to discuss the entire gamut of issues related to fishermen. The last JWG on fisheries was held on 29 October 2024 during which both sides discussed issues related to fishermen, the House was told.