John Wilbert & Savita Kumari
Port Blair, Nov 29: Ten fishermen of Andaman & Nicobar Islands were arrested and their fishing boat was impounded by the Myanmar Navy for allegedly entering their territorial waters on 10th April 2021, after making all possible efforts till date, no fruitful result has come.
As per information received these fishermen went fishing on 4th April 2021 from Junglighat Jetty in a fishing trawler, namely “Sobha Shree” towards Landfall Island, North Andaman. Later it was learnt from sources that they were sent to Myanmar jail for six months and judicial action was taken over against them.
A senior officer of Administration has told Andaman Sheekha Daily that the case has not gone beyond the jurisdiction of the Fisheries Department and the matter is now being taken up by the Ministry of External Affairs with the Myanmar Government.
Such delay in getting any response from Myanmar Government, raises serious concerns. The families of these fishermen are going through a very difficult time at present.
When contacted the Director of Fisheries Department Dr. Utpal Kumar recently said that the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is also taking all possible efforts to bring the fishermen back and are continuously in touch with the Home Ministry and Ministry of External affairs. He said that as per his knowledge one case is going on at Myanmar Court and they are also waiting for positive judgment, he added.
