India summons Sri Lankan envoy

14 March 2013 01:46 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

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India on Thursday told Sri Lanka to treat the 53 Indian fishermen arrested by the navy there humanely and free them at the earliest.

The external affairs ministry said that Sri Lankan authorities arrested 19 fishermen on Wednesday and another 34 on Thursday for allegedly fishing in SriLanka's waters.

He said the first lot of 19 had been taken to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka's northwest, and the Indian consul in Jaffna was trying to gain access to them.

"We are trying to meet the Sri Lankan authorities," regarding the other 34 too, he added.

He said Sri Lanka's deputy high commissioner was summoned on Thursday and told to treat the arrested men in a humane manner and that there should be no violence against them.

The spokesman said India expected these fishermen to be swiftly sent back to India along with their fishing vessels.

Earlier, the Sri Lankan navy said it had arrested 53 Indian fishermen who entered Sri Lankan waters illegally.

Navy spokesman Kosala Warnakulasuriya said 19 were caught off the northern seas of Mannar on Wednesday evening and 34 off Delft islands, also in the north, on Thursday.

Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen often stray into each other's territory as both countries are divided by a small strip of sea.(IANS)

Comments - 5

ss Thursday, 14 March 2013 03:16 PM

Srilanka can't deny everything always!

38 51

Sammy Friday, 15 March 2013 04:55 AM

This is a never ending problem. India should also realize that SL have their security concerns as well, in addition to poaching issues. Work out a realistic mechanism to prevent encroachment on both sides instead of limiting to just talks.

3 17

Ravi Seneviratne Friday, 15 March 2013 05:07 AM

Nor can Toiletnadu or Indian government can say that those rouges was within Indian side of waters , what have you got to say for that ????????????

16 11

Achcharu Friday, 15 March 2013 05:32 AM

Im sure they will be released back to India by SLN soon, but on the other hand, why should we keep agreeing to India? When a floatilla of Trollers purposely find themselves in our waters , robbing our (Tamil) fishermen, WHY Shouldn't their catch and equip be confiscated?

4 14

Nodrog Friday, 15 March 2013 10:24 AM

First treat SL tourists and pilgrims who visit India LEGALLY in a humane way.

3 6

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