The government on Thursday said the delay in the Sri Lankan Navy releasing the detained Tamil Nadu fishermen could cast a shadow over New Delhi’s ties with Colombo.
Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the issue, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, stressed on the need to create awareness among Indian fishermen to avoid crossing over into the neighbouring island nation’s waters “for their own safety and security”.
“The government is working with the concerned state governments on the need to sensitize Indian fishermen to respect the International Maritime Boundary Line,” said Khurshid, replying to a discussion on a Calling Attention Motion moved by the All India Anna Dravida Munnethra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MP, V Maitreyan.
External Affairs Minister said that the government attached the safety, security and welfare of the fishermen as “highest importance”.
“In response to reports of incidents of attacks on Indian fishermen, the government, through diplomatic channels, immediately takes up the matter issues relating to incidents of firing on or apprehension of our fishermen, with the government of Sri Lanka, to ensure that the Sri Lankan Navy acts with restraint and our fishermen are treated in a humane and pragmatic manner,” he said.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks