125 Indian fishermen apprehended by Lankan Navy this year:Govt

As many as 125 Indian fishermen have been apprehended by Sri Lankan Navy in the last four months, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed also said the government has emphasised upon the need for the Sri Lankan Navy to exercise restraint, extend humane treatment to Indian fishermen and not to resort to violence under any circumstance.
"As per available information, in the last two years, the number of Indian fishermen apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy was 203 in 2011, 202 in 2012 and 125 in 2013-till date. During the last two years, 21 incidents of alleged attacks on Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy have been reported," he said.

However, there have been no incidents of deaths of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters, the minister added.
Government continues to remain engaged with the Sri Lanka to ensure that fishermen on both sides continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner, Ahamed said.
The reports of apprehensions and attacks on Indian fishermen are immediately and consistently taken up with the government of Sri Lanka through diplomatic channels, he said.
As a result, the government has been able to seek and secure early release and repatriation of apprehended Indian fishermen in most instances, the minister added.