Lok Sabha Question No. 44 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-02
Subject: Attacks on Fishermen
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Hibi Eden, S. Ramalingam, S. Venkatesan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-44

## ANSWERED ON- 02/02/2024

## ATTACKS ON FISHERMEN

44. SHRI HIBI EDEN

SHRI RAMALINGAM S.

SHRI S. VENKATESAN

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

- (a)   whether the Government attaches highest priority to the safety,
- security and welfare of Indian fishermen in mid sea, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the number of times Indian Fishermen has been attacked by naval
- forces   of   neighbouring   countries   including   Pakistan   and   Sri   Lanka during the last three years;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any stringent action against mid sea attacks on Indian Fishermen in the coastal district of Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai;
- (d) the number of fishermen arrested/released by Sri Lankan Navy since, 2003; and
- (e) whether the Government is aware of Indian fishermen languishing in foreign prisons, if so, the number of fishermen in jails of Pakistan and Sri Lanka and other countries along with the steps being taken by the Government to get these fishermen released?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## (SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN)

- (a) The Government attaches highest priority to the safety, security and welfare   of   Indian   fishermen. Indian   fishermen   are   generally apprehended   by   countries   on   charges   of   allegedly   crossing   the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) illegally. Steps are taken regularly by the Indian Coast Guard to guide Indian fishermen not to cross   the   perceived   IMBL through various community interaction programmes for the fishing community. The Indian Coast Guard ships

and aircrafts maintain close surveillance along the perceived IMBL and shepherd   the   Indian   fishing   boats   towards   Indian   waters   to prevent   their   apprehension   by   Maritime   Security   Agencies   of neighbouring countries.

(b & c) There were 13 instances of attack on Indian fishermen by naval forces  of   neighbouring   countries   in   the   last   three   years.   Whenever reports of assaults on Indian fishermen are received, the Government through diplomatic channel takes up the matter with the Government of the concerned country, including at the highest levels. Immediate steps are taken by Indian Missions and Posts to seek consular access, ensure their welfare and also pursue their early release and repatriation along with their boats. Consular Officers of Missions/Posts make regular visits to local jails and detention centers to ascertain the condition of Indian fishermen   lodged   there   and   provide   requisite   help   and   support, including   legal   assistance   through   Indian   Community   Welfare   Fund. Missions/Posts abroad also approach the law enforcement agencies to complete  the   investigation   and   judicial   proceedings   at   the   earliest possible. The focus of the Government's efforts is on securing the early release of fishermen.

The Government  has  put  in  place  bilateral mechanisms  to  ensure cooperation  and  understanding  between   India  and  the countries concerned, to promote the safety and security of Indian fishermen.

The concerned Government is requested to treat the fishermen issue as a humanitarian and livelihood concern, and it is stressed that both sides should ensure that there is no use of force under any circumstances.

(d) The information available with the Ministry regarding the number of fishermen arrested/released by Sri Lankan Navy since, 2003 is placed at Annexure 'A'.

(e) As per the information available with the Ministry, there are 266 Indian fishermen in foreign jails [Bahrain - 10, Pakistan - 184, Saudi Arabia -31, Sri Lanka -25].

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## Annexure - A

|   Year | Number of Indian Fishermen arrested   | Number of Indian Fishermen Released   |
|--------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
|   2024 | 46                                    | 34 (12 from 2023 and 22 from 2024)    |
|   2023 | 240                                   | 243 (16 from 2022 and 227 from 2023)  |
|   2022 | 268                                   | 320 (68 from 2021 and 252 from 2022)  |
|   2021 | 159                                   | 131 (40 from 2020 and 91 from 2021)   |
|   2020 | 74                                    | 49 (15 from 2019 and 34 from 2020)    |
|   2019 | 210                                   | 205 (10 from 2018 and 195 from 2019)  |
|   2018 | 156                                   | 230 (84 from 2017 and 146 from 2018)  |
|   2017 | 453                                   | 420 (51 from 2016 and 369 from 2017)  |
|   2016 | 290                                   | 333 (94 from 2015 and 239 from 2016)  |
|   2015 | 454                                   | 375 (15 from 2014 and 360 of 2015)    |
|   2014 | 787                                   | 1045 (273 from 2013 and 772 of 2014)  |
|   2013 | 676                                   | 403                                   |
|   2012 | 197                                   | 197                                   |
|   2011 | 198                                   | 198                                   |
|   2010 | 26                                    | 26                                    |
|   2009 | 127                                   | 127                                   |
|   2008 | 1456                                  | 1456                                  |
|   2007 | 107                                   | 107                                   |
|   2006 | 19                                    | 19                                    |
|   2005 | Nil                                   | Nil                                   |
|   2004 | 109                                   | 109                                   |
|   2003 | 606                                   | 606                                   |

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