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

(a) whether eight fishermen of Indian origin have been reportedly injured seriously in a recent attack by the Sri Lankan Navy;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken up this issue with Sri Lankan Government;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the total number of such attacks occurred during 2012 so far?
ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b)There have been reports of an attack on Indian fishermen on August 18, 2012 allegedly by Sri Lankan Navy personnel in which one of the fishermen was injured.

(c) & (d)Government attaches very high priority to the welfare, safety and security of Indian Fishermen. As soon as reports of attacks of Indian fishermen are received, the Government, through diplomatic channels, takes up the matter with the Sri Lankan authorities. Keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood dimensions of the issue, Government has impressed on the Sri Lankan Navy to act with restraint, not to fire on our fishermen and treat our fishermen in a humane manner.

(e) As per information available, 3 incidents of alleged attacks on Indian fishermen have been reported in 2012 so far.

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