New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday summoned the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner over the spate of arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. According to a PTI report, the total number of fishermen arrested by Sri Lanka in the past 24 hours has gone up to 53, after 34 more were arrested on Thursday.
The Sri Lankan envoy was told that the fishermen must be treated humanely and Colombo must exercise restraint while dealing with them. The MEA has also sought "expeditious release" of the fishermen.
The fishermen, most of whom are from Tamil Nadu, has been a thorny issue between the state, the government of India and Sri Lanka.
The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon on Thursday as AIADMK members sought an immediate reply from the government on the alleged harassment of the fishermen. AIADMK and DMK members raised the issue soon after the House met for the day. DMK member Tiruchi Siva said "harassment" of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy was an "ongoing affair" and six such incidents had occurred over the past month. V Maitreyan of AIADMK also expressed his concern over the matter and sought an answer from the government.
With additional information from PTI
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