Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :–

(a) whether Tamil fishermen have been frequently attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy in the waters of the Indian Ocean;

(b) if so, the details of such attacks during the last two years, year-wise and the number of fishermen died, wounded and taken into custody by the Sri Lankan authorities; and

(c) the steps taken by Government to find out a permanent solution to this issue?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (c) Reports have appeared from time to time on incidents of attacks on Indian fishermen allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy. As per available information, in the last two years, the number of Indian fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy was 203 in 2011, 202 in 2012 and 125 in 2013-till date. During the last two years, 21 incidents of alleged attacks on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy have been reported; and there have been no incidents of deaths of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters. The Government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen. The reports of apprehensions and attacks on Indian fishermen are immediately and consistently taken up with the Government of Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels. As a result, the Government has been able to seek and secure early release and repatriation of apprehended Indian fishermen in most instances. Government has emphasised upon the need for the Sri Lankan Navy to exercise restraint, extend humane treatment to Indian fishermen and not to resort to violence under any circumstance. Government continues to remain engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that fishermen on both sides continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.

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