New Delhi: As many as 726 Indian fishermen have been released from Sri Lankan custody in last one year and there were only 38 left in Lankan detention at the beginning of this month, government said here on Wednesday.
Asserting that the government attaches the highest priority to the safety, security and welfare of Indian fishermen, Minister of State for External Affairs Ministry Preneet Kaur said as soon as reports of arrest of Indian fishermen were received, Government has, through diplomatic channels, immediately and consistently taken up the matter with the Lankan government to secure an early release and repatriation of apprehended Indian fishermen.
"As a result of Government`s efforts, 726 Indian fishermen in the custody of Sri Lanka were released in 2013 and 2014, and according to available information, there are 38 Indian fishermen in custody of Sri Lanka as on January 31, 2014," Kaur said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Replying to another question, Kaur said there were 232 fishermen believed to be Indians in Pakistani jails as on January 1, 2014.
"Consular Access to 98 of these fishermen has been provided by the Pakistani authorities. The nationality of 93 of them has been confirmed," Kaur said.
The Government, on a continuing basis, monitors the status of all Indian prisoners, including fishermen, in Pakistani jails and takes up the matter with the Government of Pakistan for their early release, she said.
An India-Pakistan Judicial Committee has also been set up consisting of retired judges from both countries to ensure humane treatment and expeditious release of prisoners, including fishermen, who have completed their prison term and due to Government`s efforts, 390 fishermen were released by Pakistan in 2013, the minister added.
