Madurai: The Central Government informed the High Court that diplomatic efforts are being undertaken to secure the swift release of Tamil Nadu fishermen and fishing boats held in Sri Lankan prisons and to bring them back home. At the same time, High Court judges advised that Tamil Nadu fishermen should be careful not to cross the border.
In a petition filed before the Madurai Bench of the High Court by Dheeran Thirumurugan, an administrator of the fishermen’s wing of the Naam Tamilar Katchi from Ramanathapuram: ‘Tamil Nadu fishermen are being continuously arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Although they were released by the Sri Lankan court, they continue to remain in a Sri Lankan prison. It is understood that 24 Tamil Nadu fishermen are being held in Sri Lankan prisons in this manner. Of these, only the details of 5 people have come to light.
Therefore, the petition stated that the details of Tamil Nadu fishermen who continue to be held in Sri Lanka despite being released from prison and not being taken up for repatriation should be submitted to the court, and that orders should be issued to formulate action plans to ensure appropriate action is taken within 7 days for repatriation.
This petition came up for hearing today before the bench of Judges Velmurugan and Ramakrishnan. At that time, a counter affidavit was filed on behalf of the Central Government.
It stated, ‘The Central Government is placing great importance on the safety and welfare of Indian fishermen. Indian fishermen are being arrested for reasons including crossing the border to fish and fishing in Sri Lankan waters.
As many as 39 Indian fishermen, including Tamil Nadu fishermen arrested on these charges, are in Sri Lankan prisons. Of them, 12 are in Jaffna Prison, 18 in Vavuniya Prison, and 9 in Welikada Prison.
When Indian fishermen are arrested, through bilateral goodwill and special measures, their sentences are suspended and they are released.
The Indian Embassy in Colombo and the Consulate in Jaffna are making the necessary legal arrangements, as well as providing food, medical care, and arrangements for paying fines, for Indian fishermen. Indian embassy officials continue to visit Sri Lankan prisons in person to provide welfare support and legal assistance to the fishermen.
30 Sri Lankan prison officers and inmates died in the riot that took place in July at Negombo Prison. Among them was an Indian named Sarathchandran. He had been arrested in a drug smuggling case. No Indian fishermen or Indians were injured in the riot that took place in August at the Colombo, Ratnapura, and Negombo prisons.
Following these incidents, the safety of Indian fishermen and Indians in Sri Lankan prisons has been ensured. The Indian government has continued to urge the Sri Lankan government, through bilateral mechanisms, diplomatic contacts, and various official and high-level discussions, to address issues including the swift release of Indian fishermen and fishing boats and their repatriation to the homeland.
“This issue should be considered solely on humanitarian and livelihood grounds,” the central government’s response affidavit stated.
Arguing on behalf of the central government, the lawyer said, “12 Indian fishermen have been released. Next, 16 fishermen will be released soon. 11 fishermen have been sentenced to imprisonment ranging from three months to six months.
Under the India-Sri Lanka agreement, diplomatic officials will hold talks, the fishermen’s sentences will be reduced, and steps will be taken to ensure they return to their homeland soon,” he said.
Taking note of this, the judges said, “Tamil Nadu fishermen should not cross the border. They must be careful,” and ordered the petition closed.
