The Indian High Commission in Colombo has announced the successful repatriation of 21 Indian fishermen. The fishermen, who had been detained in Sri Lanka, are now en route to Chennai from Colombo. This development comes as a relief following their recent release.
On Thursday, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka and the Consulate General in Jaffna played a crucial role in securing the release of 20 of these fishermen. The officials coordinated with Sri Lankan authorities to ensure their release. The Deputy High Commissioner and other officials personally met with the fishermen, checked on their well-being, and guaranteed their repatriation within a day.
Returning home! 21 Indian fishermen have been successfully repatriated and are on their way to Chennai from Colombo. https://t.co/QyPz06KkJR pic.twitter.com/0ipSIg6OFU
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) August 2, 2024
In addition, the Indian Consulate General in Jaffna visited the Kayts police station to meet with two fishermen, Muthumuniyandu and Mookaiah. These two fishermen were among the four whose boat capsized after a collision with a Sri Lankan naval vessel. The Indian Consul General, Sai Murali, provided assurances of support and facilitated phone calls to the fishermen’s families in India to update them on their condition.
The incident occurred about five nautical miles north of Katchatheevu Island when an Indian fishing boat collided with a Sri Lankan naval vessel. Tragically, one fisherman died in the accident, another is still missing, and the remaining two were rescued and brought to Kankesanthurai.
Following the collision, the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was summoned by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, where a strong protest was lodged over the death of the Indian fisherman. The search for the missing fisherman continues, with Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna instructed to rush to Kankesanthurai and provide all necessary support to the affected fishermen and their families.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized its commitment to addressing issues involving fishermen with compassion and humanitarian concern.
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