India's Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj stated the Indian government attaches the “highest importance” to the safety of Indian fishermen, as reports of attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy continue to take place.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha last week, Swaraj responded to a question on the harrassment and abduction of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy by saying,
“At the outset, let me take this opportunity to reiterate, in no uncertain terms, that Government attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen.”
“Whenever such incidents of attack and consequent detention of our fishermen by the Sri Lankan authorities are reported, Government, through diplomatic channels, immediately takes up the matter with the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that the Sri Lankan authorities act with restraint, our fishermen are treated in a humane and pragmatic manner and are released expeditiously,” said the minister.
Attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy frequently occur, with further incidents having been reported since Swaraj's statement (see here and here).
Swaraj said that the issue remained a priority for the Indian government adding, “it is because of the priority attached to this issue by Government that the matter was raised at the highest level by the Hon'ble PM in his very first meeting with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in May 2014.”
“Both leaders, in their recent meetings in New York in September 2014 and in Kathmandu in November 2014 have reiterated the urgent need towards finding a permanent solution to the matter,” she added, noting that she has also discussed the issue with Sri Lanka's External Affairs Minister G. L. Peiris.
“Let me assure the Hon'ble Members that the Government is steadfastly working, in close cooperation, with the relevant stakeholders in finding a long term solution to this issue... Government continues to remain engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka so as to ensure that fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner,” concluded the minister.
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