Team Herald
Margao: Claiming that the sufferings of seamen have increased manifold in last 10 years, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday slammed the Centre for failing to release marine Capt Jagvir Singh Sidhu, who has been in Chinese prison for over three months.
AAP Seafarers’ Cell in-charge Capt Venzy Viegas said, “The cry of Capt Sidhu’s wife to the PM for help was the cry of every seaman’s wife, who undergoes such suffering at the hands of hostile foreign government authorities for no fault of theirs.”
He said the seafarers earn foreign exchange for the country and are sacrificing their youth, remaining away from their families and yet the government of India has been harsh in dealing with them.
He cited recent cases of action by DG Shipping in suspending seamen by accusing them of obtaining false certificates of mandatory courses instead of taking a sympathetic approach.
“AAP demands diplomatic intervention to set Capt Sidhu free. Government of India must step up efforts as our Indian crew cannot be left at the mercy of foreign authorities without justice,” Capt Viegas added.
