A humanitarian issue - Indian High Commission
The Indian High Commission said today that they have been informed about the apprehension of 54 fishermen along with 5 boats and stressed that any "issues associated with Indian fishermen are to be dealt in a humanitarian manner."
While noting that providing immediate consular access and emergency supplies to apprehended fishermen are of prime importance, the High Commission said that they are working with the Sri Lankan government to expeditiously secure consular access.
"Bilateral mechanisms are in place to comprehensively address all matters related to fisheries. It may be recalled that the Fourth meeting of the Secretary-level JWG was held on 30 December 2020 through virtual mode. Follow-up measures on the basis of discussions which took place during the meeting need to be taken forward quickly," the High Commission said.
Sri Lanka Navy has apprehended 05 Indian fishing vessels along with 54 Indian fishermen on Wednesday (24) night for poaching close to Sri Lankan waters.
The Navy, in a statement today (25), said that after considering the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters on the local fishing community and the sustainability of fishery resources of Sri Lanka, the Navy is conducting regular patrols to curb illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters.
"During similar patrols, naval units attached to Northern Naval Command nabbed a large Indian fishing vessel with 14 personnel onboard, about 03 nautical miles off the coast of Kovilan, Jaffna. The North Central Naval Command took hold of 02 more Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel for engaging in trawling in Sri Lankan territorial waters about 7 nautical miles off Pesalai, Mannar and 5 nautical miles off the Iranativu Island. The Eastern Naval Command seized 02 Indian fishing vessels with 20 personnel and their fishing accessories whilst trawling in Sri Lankan waters about 7.5 and 8.5 nautical miles off Mullaitivu. The 02 vessels had trespassed into Sri Lankan waters about 62 nautical miles, crossing the International Boundary Line (IMBL) when the apprehension was made," the Navy said.
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