Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether a number of Indian civilians including fishermen who sneaked/entered into the Bangladesh territory unintentionally were arrested/detained with their boats during the last three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof, year-wise;

(c) the number of civilians and fishermen out of them released along with their boats;

(d) whether the Government has taken up the issue of safety of Indian civilians and fishermen with the Government of Bangladesh; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the success achieved in this regard?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) As per information available, the number of Indian civilians including fishermen who strayed into Bangladesh territory unintentionally and were arrested/detained with their boats in the last three years (2009, 2010 and 2011) was 3, 2 and 79, respectively.

(c) All Indian civilians and fishermen detained in the last three years were promptly released and repatriated with their boats.

(d) Whenever reports of Indian fishermen straying into Bangladesh territory were received, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka requested immediate consular access and their repatriation on humanitarian grounds.

(e) The Government of Bangladesh has responded positively to our requests by fast tracking the process of release and repatriation of Indian fishermen.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220218625.

Bangladesh

South Asia