West Bengal CM meets 95 returned fishermen, highlights India’s humane treatment in contrast to reported mistreatment in Bangladesh…reports Asian Lite News
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with 95 Indian fishermen who returned from Bangladesh on Monday and urged them to avoid venturing close to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) while fishing in the Bay of Bengal.
Banerjee, during her official visit to Sagar Island to review preparations for the upcoming Gangasagar Mela, had announced her intention to meet the fishermen. The fishermen, from Kakdwip in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, were arrested by the Bangladesh Coast Guard in October and November 2024 for allegedly fishing in Bangladeshi waters. Six Indian fishing vessels were also seized during the operation.
Following a mutual repatriation agreement, Bangladesh returned the Indian fishermen on Sunday, while India repatriated 90 Bangladeshi fishermen, including 12 who had drifted into Indian waters after their trawler capsized. Two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers were also returned.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing trawlers, “FV Laila-2” and “FV Meghna-5,” with 78 fishermen on December 9, 2024, for fishing in Indian waters. After government approval, the ICG arranged for the repatriation of these fishermen, along with the 12-member crew of the sunken trawler “Kausik.”
Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) Varad and Amrit Kaur escorted the 90 Bangladeshi fishermen to the IMBL on Sunday, where they were handed over to the Bangladesh Coast Guard. Subsequently, ICGS Varad and Amrit Kaur returned to Sagar Island with the 95 Indian fishermen, who were handed over to the district magistrate of South 24 Parganas district at 11:30 a.m. on Monday.
A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson highlighted the cooperative efforts of the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian government, the West Bengal government, and the Indian Coast Guard in maintaining maritime relations between India and Bangladesh.
Chief Minister Banerjee emphasized the friendly relations between India and Bangladesh but expressed concern over the health conditions of some Indian fishermen who were reportedly mistreated by Bangladeshi authorities. In contrast, she noted that Bangladeshi fishermen detained in India received medical attention and proper food during their detention.
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