Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Take Urgent Steps By The Government On The Issue Of Recent Killing Of ... on 14 March, 2012
> Title: Need to take urgent steps by the Government on the issue of recent killing of fishermen in Kerala.
SHRI KODIKKUNNIL SURESH: On February 15, 2012 around 04:30 pm, shots were fired from an Italian Ship, Enrica Rexie at a fishing trawler, Saint Antony off Kollam coast near Kerala. Two fishermen, Ajesh Binki (25) from Tamil Nadu and Jalastein (45) from Kerala were killed. After the two Italian marines who allegedly fired shots that killed the unarmed fishermen were arrested, there have been attempts by the Italian Government to pressurize the Indian Government to release these Guards. The concerned country says that it is a law which make it clear that its citizens are immune to the jurisdiction of foreign countries. This is a mockery of our law. Since these killings took place inside the Indian waters, it is my demand that these Italian Guards be tried as per the Indian Laws.
Sir, another incident happened in Kerala sea. I would briefly tell about this. In this incident, five fishermen were killed when MV Prabhu Daya, a Singapore flagged merchant vessel owned by an Indian shipping firm, collided with their boat off Alappuzha coast in the early hours on 1st March, 2012, the second incident involving fishermen in the Kerala coast in the last fortnight. Sir, it is a matter of great concern that collision between ships in the Indian waters have increased causing loss to human lives and property. This matter needs to be looked into seriously by the Government of India.
I have come to know that certain instructions have been given to all ports in the country to avoid such incidents. It has come to my notice that very old ships are being allowed to enter into Indian ports which is violative of the instructions. The Government needs to look into the matter with the seriousness that it deserves and action against those responsible should be taken at the earliest.
I demand that the Government of India should make a statement in this regard.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Now Shri Bhakta Charan Das.
SHRI KODIKKUNNIL SURESH: I would request the Government to make a statement in this regard. It is a serious matter.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Please sit down. Please do not make any speech like that. You have already raised two matters. You have already raised the issue.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI KODIKKUNNIL SURESH : You are always talking about the fishermen community. I am also talking about the fishermen community. In Kerala coast, the fishermen community is facing a serious problem. The two important incidents happened recently. That is why, the Government of India should make a statement in this regard.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri Bhakta Charan Das ji, please do not make any allegations. Allegations cannot be recorded.