- Follow-up actions

'STRUGGLING LIFE'

[3 Muslim Srilankan Tamil fishermen]

Mr. P.M. Amza,
Deputy High Commissioner
196, T.T.K. Road, Alwarpet, Chennai - 600018.
Telephone : 24987896 : 24987612
Fax : 24987894
Email : sldehico@md3.vsnl.net.in, sldehico@hathway.com, lankacom@dataone.in 

Respected Sir,

SUB : 3 Muslim Srilankan Tamil fishermen in Tamil Nadu - Support them to send back to Srilanka - Reg.
___________________________________________________________________

Three Muslim Srilankan Tamil fishermen caught in the rage of sea while fishing in Srilankan territorial water near the border in International Boundary Line in Gulf of Mannar. Troubled water forcefully drafted their vessel to Indian shore in Pamban, Ramnad district on 25-09-2006. After struggling in court and prison they were now freed to go to Srilanka are seeking support and guidance.

BACKGROUND:

A. Mr.Gulam Miodeen, Age : 22, S/o. Mohamed Shawsim.
B. Mr. Azeez, Age : 26, S/o. Dhayab.
C. Mr. Mohamed Siddhiq, Age : 31, S/o. Mothar Moideen.

The said 3 Muslim Srilankan Tamil fishermen belongs to fishing community, residence said to be in Kalpatti, A1 Camp in Puthalam district in Srilanka. They were originally belongs to the Tamil area in Srilanka and due to war situation, they were displaced to Puthalam district.

2. On 25-09-2006 the above said 3 fisher folks sailed for fishing in Srilankan territorial water near the border in International Boundary Line in Gulf of Mannar. Due to sudden rage of sea, the 3 were forcibly drafted their boat to Pamban in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.

3. The Three were voluntarily surrendered to the nearby Pamban Police Station. Police recorded First Information Report against them under Passport Act and produced before the Honourable Court, in which they were sent to judicial custody to Madurai Central Prison.

4. After trial, the Judge convicted them for 8 weeks and a fine of Rs. 100/= each under the Passport Act on 10-11-2006.

5. In the Judgement, under clause 4, it is stated that after the conviction period, either the 3 can seek support of the Srilankan High Commission to leave for Srilanka or as per the government order; they have to send to the special camps located in Tamil Nadu.

6. The three Muslim Srilankan Tamil fishermen have dispatched a petition through volunteers, which has reach us for guidences.

7. We appeal you to seek this matter urgently and do the needful as soon as possible, as the 3 fishermen are struggling for their life.

Thanking You

Yours faithfully,
for MANITHAM
[Sd.] Subramanian.G
Executive Director, MANITHAM

Copy to:

11-01-2006

12-01-2007 :

- Mr. P.M.Amza, Deputy High Commissioner, Chennai rang phone at 12.43.59 pm and told that the concern collector has to give the repatriation order and immediate after that either the 3 can be send by air or by boat to Sri Lanka. He also assured us that he can do this as soon.
- President of TMMK called over phone and assured us to give support for this issue.

31-01-2007 :

- Due to Manitham members follow-up in Ramnad, the Ramanathapuram Collector dispatched Repatriation Order dated 27-01-2007 to Deputy High Commission, Chennai by fax. Mrs. Imran, consular for fisher folks in Deputy High Commission office has  confirmed us through a  phone call at 5 pm and said, this information has already conveyed to SL officials in Colombo and expecting response soon from the SL govt. for further proceedings.

02-02-2007 :

- Mrs. Imran call and intimated that Deputy High Commissioner has accepted to take care of the 3 affected fishermen from Monday [05-02-2007] onwards till their return to Sri Lanka. The affected 3 fishermen are coming over to Chennai on Monday morning from Rameswaram for handing over to Sri Lankan High Commission office.

05-02-2007 :

- The 3 Sri Lankan Tamil Muslim fishermen was taken over by Chennai Deputy High Commission office and have been arranged to stay presently at M/s. Maha Bodhi Society, Chennai Centre No.12 [Old No : 17] Kennet Lane, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008, Tamil Nadu [Phone No : 28192458] under the care of Chennai Deputy High Commission Office.

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