Parents of two mariners from Punjab felicitated the Minister of State for External Affairs Mrs Preneet Kaur here on 24th April, at the Northern Mariners Conclave 2KXI organised by Chandigarh Chapter of the Company of Master Mariners of India (CMM).

2nd Officer Partap Inder Singh of Mohali and Cadet Navdeep Singh of Kharar were amongst the 11 Indian crew held in captivity in Somalia for 332 days. Relating their story Capt M.S. Kahlon who had been engaged in taking up their cause through MLA Randeep Nabha, who in turn approached the Minister of State for External Affairs in February this year, said that the prompt action by the Government of India helped in securing their release within 30 hours.

The parents of their families presented plaque bearing the picture of Rak Afrikana to Mrs. Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs for her intervention.

Mrs. Preneet Kaur expressed concern over the growing sea piracy and informed that several Indian mariners are still held hostage by the pirates, and the Government is taking necessary steps to ensure their welfare and safe return. Mrs. Preneet Kaur informed that the Cabinet Committee has approved series of measures to address legal, administrative and operational aspects of combating piracy involving strict action collectively by the Ministries of Shipping, External Affairs, and Defence.

Capt J.S.Gill, former Director General Shipping, Government of India, averred the need to strengthen the Indian laws to punish the pirates captured by the Indian navy since it was still following the outdated Piracy Act of 1849, and at the same time building international pressure on the errant countries through UNO, Security Council and other organisations that are providing aid to these nations.

On this occasion, CMMI Chandigarh Chapter also felicitated the parents of its member Capt. Gurpreet Singh, Deputy Director of International Maritime Organization, London, who had recently been presented the Life Time Achievement Award at Mumbai by industry magazine Sailor Today.

Earlier Chairman of CMMI Chandigarh Chapter, Capt P.S. Sidhu explained that tricity is home to an estimated 3,500 seafaring officers and engineers who remit nearly Rs.35 crore in foreign exchange to this region every month.CMMI local chapter started operation last month with the celebration of the National Maritime Day, and paying tribute to the seafarers who lost their lives in action, informed chapter Secretary Capt. G.S. Ghuman. Capt. M.S. Kahlon, said that Chandigarh is one of the 15 chapters of CMMI, which was established in August 1957 and has series of activities planned for the region.

Notes to Editor

CMMI (The Company of Master Mariners of India) was established in August 1957 and has 15 chapters in the country. The Chandigarh Chapter has been established in April 2011 only to work for the welfare of the seafarers in the northern region. For further information: Capt M S Kahlon, Chairman Activities, CMMI, Chandigarh Chapter (M) 095010 36550