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

(a) whether it is a fact that Government is considering to facilitate a meeting between representative of fishermen associations in India and Sri lanka; if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether Government has urged upon the Sri Lankan Government to release all fishermen arrested by it at the earliest; if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMAD)

(a) Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in her letter dated 20.9.2013 to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, proposed that the India-Sri Lanka fishermen level talks may be held at Chennai in the month of December, 2013. Government has sought further information from Government of Tamil Nadu on modalities to enable holding of the proposed meeting. A response from Government of Tamil Nadu is awaited.

(b) Government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen and is continuously engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka for securing expeditious release of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody. In this context, reports of apprehensions of Indian fishermen are immediately and consistently taken up with the Government of Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels and during bilateral meetings at various levels.

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South Asia