Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday felicitated 95 fishermen who were in jail in Bangladesh.
Talking at the gathering at Sagar Island, Mamata said that several fishermen were beaten at the other side of the border.
“I saw a few fishermen limping. I asked them the reason but initially they didn’t want to say anything but later I was told that they were beaten in Bangladesh with their hands tied for which they were limping,” said Mamata.
Mamata also mentioned that the family of the deceased fisherman was given a subsidy of Rs. 2 lakhs.
“Our government has given id cards to fishermen. We can track them through this card. We heard that they went to international waters. We contacted them and found that they were detained. Both the countries are in touch with each other. Lawfully we have arranged that the fishermen can stay in jail till they return back. We have also informed the central government. We will provide treatment to those who are injured,” further added the West Bengal Chief Minister.
Instructing the fishermen not to go in deep water Mamata also mentioned the state government had started several schemes for the benefit of the fishermen.
A fisherman, Asit Biswas said that all his belongings were taken and was taken to Bagerhat jail. “They had hit me mercilessly and I am unable to even stand and walk,” said Asit.
Another fisherman Gouranga Biswas also complained of being beaten by a heavy stick on his head.
Notably, several fishermen of Bangladesh who were detained in India were also released.
On Sunday while the fishermen returned to the country, Indian Coast Guard said in a X Handle post, “In a mutual exchange of fishermen coordinated between @IndiaCoastGuard & #BangladeshCoastGuard, #ICG Ships Varad & Amrit Kaur repatriated 95 Indian fishermen & 4 fishing boats, and handed over 90 Bangladeshi fishermen, including 12 rescued from the sunken boat “Kaushik.” #MaritimeCollaboration.”
