By Leo Fernando
CHENNAI: Church officials in India have urged the federal government to act on the case of jailed Indian fishermen in Qatar.
“We are asking the government to take immediate action for the fishermen’s release,” said Caritas India chairperson Bishop Peter Remigius of Kottar.
According to Bishop Remigius, 42 Indian fishermen working in Saudi Arabia, most of whom are from Kottar diocese in Tamil Nadu, southern India, accidentally strayed into the Qatar sea border on July 10. They were arrested and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on Oct. 25.
Two days later, Bishop Remigius led a Church delegation to meet federal Vayalar Ravi, minister in charge of overseas Indians, to seek the government’s help to release the fishermen.
“The minister immediately contacted the Indian Embassy to help the fishermen,” Bishop Remigius said. “We are hopeful that the government can bring them back.”
The bishop, along with local Church officials also met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi to request him urge the federal government to act on the matter immediately.
Among the jailed fishermen, 19 are from Kadiyappatinam parish in Kottar diocese. Parish priest Father Ubald said their families are “severely depressed and are waiting for the good news.”
Meanwhile, the labor commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has started a signature campaign to press the government for swift action. UCAN