Fishermen in good health, says Indian Embassy in Iran

Madurai: The Indian Embassy in Iran has clarified that the Indian fishermen stranded in the country are in good health and that it was making all efforts with the Iranian authorities to resume commercial flights. This was communicated in separate responses to TOI and Kanyakumari MP H Vasanthakumar.

“The Embassy of India, Tehran and our Consulate in Bandar Abbas is in constant touch with the Indian fishermen stranded in Bushehr province (in the city of Asaluyeh) and Hormozgan province (in Kish Island and Chiruyeh). As per our inquiries, the fishermen are in good health and are not infected with COVID-19. They have been advised to follow necessary precautions during their stay here,” it said in response to email queries sent by TOI.

Though the embassy is in the process of collecting particulars of Indians – including fishermen and students – they have not made any mention of efforts taken by them for repatriating them to India, which is the prime demand put forward by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and the fishermen. “Two days ago three embassy officials went to Kish Island and talked to the fishermen there,” said a fisherman adding that they were talking in favour of the boat owners. Videos recorded by Indian fishermen showing embassy officials explaining that there is no COVID-19 scare in Kish are also being circulated in social media. “We have not been to sea for eight days. Looks like embassy officials are supporting Kafils (boat owners),” a fisherman said adding they are under pressure from Kafils to go fishing. Fishermen who are in the Chiruyeh fishing harbour claim that embassy officials have not been there. “We filled forms sent by them with our particulars and have been expecting them here over the last two days,” a fisherman said. It is said that there are about 320 Indian fishermen including 188 from TN and 120 from Gujarat in Chiruyeh.