India releases more fishermen
The Indian authorities released six more Sri Lankan fishermen from
their custody. They were arrested on charges of breaching maritime
boundaries on February 21. They were released subsequent to the
intervention of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister
Rajitha Senaratne with relevant Indian authorities, Ministry sources
said.
The Ministry is to provide expenses ,including the air fares to bring
back the fishermen on an immediate basis.They also plan to appeal to the
Indian authorities on behalf of the fishermen to get their confiscated
boats and other equipment released. With the latest release the number
of Sri Lankan fishermen held under Indian custody on the charge of
breaching maritime borders has come down to eighteen.
Minister Senaratne yesterday said that steps were already in motion
to get the other fishermen and their equipment released as well without
delay.
The authorities have begun an awareness campaign targeting the
fishermen under the instructions of the Minister. As a result since July
2010 not a single Sri Lankan fisherman has been taken into custody under
the charge of breaching maritime borders.
The Ministry points out that this positive trend in turn would help
strengthen the relationship between two fishing communities of India and
Sri Lanka.
They also point out that the Government spends an average of Rs 2.5
million annually to deal with incidents related to breaching of maritime
boundaries by fishermen and with enhanced discipline the monies could be
saved and utilized on fishing community welfare activities. |