Wed, 24 Apr 2024 Today's Paper

India requests SL Navy not to fire on Indian fishermen

29 April 2015 04:32 pm - 17     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Indian Government on today said it has requested Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint and not to fire on Indian fishermen if they stray into the waters of the island nation.

Replying to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said there have been six cases of alleged attack on Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters and India have taken up the issue with Sri Lanka."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," he said.

He said a total of 964 Indian fishermen had been apprehended by the Sri Lankan authorities since January last year, of which 927 were released. "Government was steadfastly working, in close cooperation, with the relevant stakeholders for the expeditious release of thirty seven Indian fishermen from Sri Lankan custody," Singh said. Singh said a total of 303 fishermen, believed to be Indian nationals, are languishing 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," he said.

The Minister said Fishermen Associations of India and Sri Lanka held talks on March 24 and felt 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," he said. Singh said 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.(DNA)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 17

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • upali Thursday, 30 April 2015 11:01 AM

    Modi is trying to dominate in the pretext of renewed foreign relationship newly build up by the present govt.

    Prem Nath Sunday, 03 May 2015 10:31 AM

    Request denied.

    Prem Nath Friday, 01 May 2015 10:54 AM

    What are the other things?

    Lenny Thursday, 30 April 2015 10:27 PM

    Should not the Indian authorities be telling their own to refrain from breaking the law, instead of forcing the SL Navy and government to turn a blind eye to the misdeeds ?

    Ranil Wijeyesekera Thursday, 30 April 2015 04:33 PM

    Our countries should have devices on board to be able to track on radar or sattelite. Prevention is best.

    kumara Thursday, 30 April 2015 03:36 PM

    Yes. Give humanitarian treatment to thieves.

    Sincere Thursday, 30 April 2015 01:26 PM

    So, ask them not to cross Sri Lankan waters, because the territory belongs to Sri Lanka.

    Calistus Jayatilleke Thursday, 30 April 2015 12:54 PM

    Like Ranil Wickremasinghe said, one has every right to shoot at intruders in self-defence.

    modaya Thursday, 30 April 2015 12:22 PM

    Yes you can with water pistol.

    Freebird Wednesday, 29 April 2015 10:06 PM

    Still the Indian Govt not taking any action to stop their fishermen coming to the sri lankan waters and they wanted to show mercy on them via DM Android App

    aja Thursday, 30 April 2015 10:53 AM

    why come into our water what a joke >> gut less government will agree on bended knees

    lankaman Thursday, 30 April 2015 09:21 AM

    We request Indian government to refrain from sending their fish robbers to Sri Lankan territorial waters

    ibadun Thursday, 30 April 2015 08:18 AM

    yes, we have to deal this matter as humanitarian and livelihood dimensions, however the mind set of south Indian to be changed as they have been given that those area is a part of India and also these fishermen have been used by Big bosses for forceful fishing and drug traffic etc..First they have to work to change the above and at the same time they should prevent crossing IMBL , we can have physical identification and some virtual control as well such monitoring these trawlers by system so that they can be issued alert immediately if they closer the IMBL (live monitoring) SL should continue enforce law (arrest them) no shooting to be done as they are civilian they are not come here to fight (if our people cross they arrest and same can be done here as well, fair justice)

    Anura DeSilva Thursday, 30 April 2015 06:13 AM

    I think we need to take back all the weapons given to the military as there is no reason for us to have a fighting military. Are we for seeing fighting with India - Never. Would we ever fight with Maldives - Never. If the government does a good job, they have no reason to believe people would rebel against the government either. If the government does start to screw up, we the public has the strongest weapon, the vote. Once we devolve power to each area and the central government would only have national and international issues to deal with, they wil l be compelled to negotiate every situation like the Singaporeans rather than having to incur an unnecessary cost for military weapons There can be lots of things the military could do without touching a weapon.

    Harsha Thursday, 30 April 2015 12:02 AM

    I dont know the reason, why these Indian fisherman are crossing there borders, hope they are asking 90 days from Pakistan also ...

    Terrence Wednesday, 29 April 2015 10:22 PM

    Bring back MR. He will handle it effectively.

    Ponting Malli Wednesday, 29 April 2015 10:19 PM

    Once and for all India should sponsor trawlers for their fishermen and ask them to go deep sea fishing. SL should insist on this without engaging in PUSWEDILLA threats.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment




Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka