Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 25: Allegations of physical assault by personnel of the Indian Coast Guard on fishermen from North Andaman have triggered a political controversy, with the Congress party demanding a high-level inquiry and strict action against those responsible.
Addressing a press conference, Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) leaders, representatives of the Fishermen Congress and the affected fishermen alleged that a group of traditional fishermen from Diglipur were subjected to physical assault while fishing near East Island waters.
District Congress President Mr. John Robert Babu said the party decided to intervene after the issue was brought to its attention by the Fishermen Congress wing. He stated that the matter had become a serious concern not only for the fishing community but also for the larger public.
“The Congress party feels it is its responsibility to ensure that the truth comes out and that those responsible, if found guilty, are punished,” he said.
Mr. Babu alleged that the fishermen were treated “like terrorists” despite being local fishermen engaged in their traditional occupation. He said the affected fishermen belong to families that have been involved in fishing for generations.
According to him, the fishing vessel was initially checked by Coast Guard personnel on June 21. The boat’s documents and licenses were reportedly verified and the fishermen were allegedly allowed to continue fishing operations.
However, he claimed that the same vessel was intercepted again on June 22. Several crew members were allegedly taken aboard the Coast Guard vessel, where they were reportedly assaulted.
“If their statements are heard, one would wonder how such treatment could be meted out to Indian fishermen. They have alleged that they were beaten mercilessly and treated inhumanely,” Mr. Babu said.
He urged the media to publish photographs of the injuries sustained by the fishermen so that the administration and the public become aware of the seriousness of the allegations.
Mr. Babu maintained that if the fishermen had committed any violation, they should have been handed over to the police for legal action rather than allegedly being assaulted.
He also thanked the Diglipur Police for their intervention and support to the affected fishermen.
One of the fishermen, identified as Mr. Devadas, who was the captain of the fishing boat, narrated his experience during the press conference. He claimed that Coast Guard personnel had checked all documents on June 21 and permitted them to continue fishing.
According to him, the vessel was intercepted again the following day. He alleged that some crew members were taken onto the Coast Guard vessel and were severely beaten.
“When we went aboard, we saw the condition of our fellow fishermen. They had been beaten badly. Later, we were also assaulted. We requested them to hand us over to the police if they believed we had done something wrong,” he alleged.
The fishermen denied allegations that they had intentionally crossed any international maritime boundary. They claimed that even if there had been any violation, legal procedures should have been followed.
Mr. Devadas further alleged that some Coast Guard personnel had removed their name badges during the incident, raising suspicion among the fishermen. He claimed that they had voluntarily handed over their mobile phones and other materials to investigating agencies to establish their innocence.
ANTCC President Ranglal Halder described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and said the alleged assault should never have occurred.
“These are Indian fishermen and not foreign nationals. If the documents were checked on June 21 and found to be in order, then what necessitated the alleged assault the next day?” he questioned.
Mr. Halder urged the Lieutenant Governor and the administration to intervene and conduct an inquiry into the allegations. He demanded immediate suspension and action against those responsible if the allegations are proven.
Fishermen Congress Chairman Mr. Narayan also expressed concern over the declining number of people engaged in fishing in the islands. He said such incidents create fear among fishermen and discourage younger generations from entering the profession.
He alleged that one fisherman suffered injuries to his legs, while another young fisherman reportedly sustained injuries to his fingers.
“If any law was violated, the fishermen should have been produced before the police and the courts. Physical assault cannot be justified,” he said.
Mr. John Robert Babu also highlighted the difficulties faced by the fishing community, including rising diesel prices, high electricity tariffs, increasing ice costs and the absence of adequate subsidies.
He criticized the administration and the ruling party for allegedly ignoring the problems of fishermen and urged both the administration and the Andaman and Nicobar Command to take the matter seriously.
Warning of larger protests in the future, he said the fishing sector remains one of the few major employment-generating sectors in the islands along with tourism.
“If fishermen continue to live in fear, many may leave the profession altogether. This would seriously affect the economy and livelihoods in the islands,” he said.
The Coast Guard authorities had not issued any official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
