Manmohan, Rajapaksa discuss fishermen issue; decide to stay in touch on UNHCR resolution

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh raised the issue of Indian fishermen with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa here today.

Both leaders met on the sidelines of BIMSTEC summit here. The meeting went on for 20 minutes. Indian fishermen have repeatedly been arrested and harassed by Lankan authorities in the recent past. 25 Indian fishermen have reportedly been arrested today for allegedly entering the Lankan territory. Dr. Singh told Lankan President that issue of fishermen is the matter of livelihood for them, and should be dealt in a 'humanitarian' manner. India and Sri Lanka also decided to "be in touch" on the UNHRC resolutions. Resolution titled "Promoting reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka" has been submitted by the United States, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Montenegro, FYR of Macedonia, and Mauritius at today's session. India has not analyzed the resolutions so far, and will only take the call once it goes through the text. Sources told ANI that the draft of resolution does not call for sanctions and International probe like previous ones. India Prime Minister and Sri Lankan President also discussed the reconciliation of minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka.