As many as 538 Indian fishermen and 851 fishing boats are in custody of neighboring countries — Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri lanka, revealed the data of External Affairs Ministry that were tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday in a reply to Member of Parliament Parimal Nathwani.
Nathwani hails from Gujarat but elected in the upper house of Parliament from Jharkhand.
He asked about number of Indian fishermen and fishing boats in custody of Pakistan, Sri lanka and Bangladesh along with the number of Indian fishermen and fishing boats released by the neighboring countries.
The Minister of State for External Affairs, VK Singh stated that of total 538 fishermen and 851 fishing boats in custody of neighboring countries, 464 Indian fishermen and 823 Indian fishing boats are in the custody of Pakistani Authorities.
“The Government of Pakistan however admits to presence of only 303 Indian fishermen. 37 Indian fishermen and 3 Indian fishing boats are in custody of Bangladesh authorities, while 37 Indian fishermen and 25 Indian fishing boats are in custody of Sri lankan authorities,” stated the Minister.
Nathwani also queried on steps taken by the Government of India to secure release of all the Indian fishermen and for rehabilitation of the fishermen and their families, whose boats have been confiscated by the neighboring countries.
Replying the query, Singh said that due to efforts of the Government of India, 172 Indian fishermen were released by Pakistan in February 2015. Moreover, 57 Indian fishing boats were also released by Pakistan on March 23, 2015.
He added that since October 2014 total 212 Indian fishermen were arrested in 15 different arrests by Bangladesh, who have been got released by the Government of India. The minister also stated that since January 2014, of total 964 Indian fishermen apprehended 927 Indian fishermen have been released by the Sri lankan authorities.
The minister also said that Ministry of Agriculture is designated nodal agency for payment of compensation to fishermen lodged in Pakistani jails. Additionally, a Soft loan Package for replacement of fishing vessels held in captivity in Pakistani authorities implemented by the Marine Exports Development Authorities (MPEDA).