Jaishankar Highlights Fishermen Arrests Linked to Emergency Era Deals

New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) — On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shed light on the contentious issue of Sri Lanka arresting Indian fishermen, attributing it to an agreement made during the Emergency period. Under this agreement, rights were relinquished for fishing in areas that were previously accessible, Jaishankar explained at an event hosted by the BJP Yuva Morcha to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.

The Indira Gandhi-led government ceded the uninhabited Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974, followed by another agreement in 1976 that restricted fishermen from both nations from operating within each other's exclusive economic zones. Jaishankar criticized the lack of parliamentary debate during the Emergency, which led to significant decisions being made without due process.

"The ongoing issue of our fishermen being arrested by Sri Lanka stems from an agreement during the Emergency, which saw the rights of fishermen given up," Jaishankar remarked. He opined that such decisions would not have been accepted had there been a functioning Parliament at the time, highlighting the ongoing repercussions in Tamil Nadu to this day.

Reflecting on India's democratic stature being tarnished by the imposition of Emergency on June 25, 1975, Jaishankar shared personal anecdotes about police raids at Jawaharlal Nehru University and his connection to leaders like George Fernandes. He recounted how defending India in the international arena became challenging after what he described as the "murder of the Constitution and democracy."

In a pointed critique of the Gandhis, Jaishankar emphasized that Emergency situations arise when a "family" is prioritized over the nation. He accused Congress leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi, of having intentions that contradict their stated values. Furthermore, he critiqued the Congress for never apologizing for the Emergency, which he described as an assault on the populace's way of life instigated by a single family.

Jaishankar stressed the necessity of empowering citizens to prevent such situations in the future, asserting that an empowered public would not allow the recurrence of an Emergency. During a 'mock parliament' event hosted by the Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM), he encouraged the younger generation to learn how Congress allegedly "strangled" the Constitution out of a "lust for power."

Accompanied by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, the external affairs minister attended an exhibition marking 50 years of the Emergency. He rebutted the opposition's claims of an "undeclared" Emergency, asserting the current time does not resemble such a period, as evidenced by the mock parliament event taking place. He urged everyone to cherish freedom.

While addressing the opposition, Jaishankar queried where they stood during the 1975 Emergency, noting that some who oppose the current government were against the Emergency back then but now ally with those responsible. He mentioned the Constitutional amendments and ordinances introduced during that tumultuous time, one of which prohibited legal challenges to the Emergency provisions.

Jaishankar celebrated the democratic protests during the Emergency, which paved the way for new elections, underlining that democracy is intrinsic to India. He praised the national pride exhibited after Operation Sindoor, highlighting how senior opposition leaders supported India's position on the global stage, countering situations similar to the Emergency.

He concluded by asserting that the events of 50 years ago should be remembered not just as history but as a cautionary tale. He warned against those who still show no remorse about the Emergency.

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