India govt voices concern at detention of 68 Indian fishermen, boats by Sri Lanka

“We are concerned at the detention of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by Sri Lankan authorities between 18-20 December 2021. As per our information, 68 fishermen and 10 boats have been taken into custody,” the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

He said that officials from the Consulate General of India, in Jaffna, have met the detained fishermen and are providing all necessary support.

This includes clothes, toiletries, snacks, dry essentials and masks, besides facilitating phone calls to their relatives.

The Indian officials are also arranging legal representation for the detained fishermen, he said.

In the case of one fisherman who was indisposed, the Indian Consular Officer has visited him in hospital to check on his welfare, the spokesperson said.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has also taken up the issue of early release of the Indian fishermen and boats with the Government of Sri Lanka.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has received representations on this issue from various political parties.

He was also called on the matter by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
“He has apprised them all of the current situation and underlined Government of India’s efforts to secure early release,” he added.

According to Sri Lankan dailies, the Indian fishermen and their boats were seized for allegedly fishing in the waters of the Sea of Sri Lanka off Jaffna.