The RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagaran Manch has written to the US Ambassador protesting the killing of three Indian seafarers in separate incidents between June 8 and June 11, allegedly due to US military actions. The organization is demanding a transparent investigation and compensation for the victims' families.
This incident highlights potential violations of international maritime law and human rights, raising concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers and challenging the rule-based international order. It also puts diplomatic pressure on the US administration to provide explanations and accountability.
The RSS-affiliate Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) has formally protested to the US Ambassador in India, Sergio Gor, over the alleged killing of three Indian seafarers in separate incidents between June 8 and June 11. The organization attributes these deaths to US military actions and has demanded a thorough, transparent, and time-bound investigation into the matter.
In a letter addressed to Ambassador Gor, SJM national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan expressed deep pain and anguish, stating that the alleged unprovoked killings by US armed forces have caused widespread disbelief and anger in India. Mahajan criticized the US administration's response as insensitive and irresponsible, further hurting Indian sentiments.
The SJM is calling for accountability for both individuals and state actors responsible for the deaths. They are also demanding compensation and justice for the victims' families, along with assurances that such incidents will not recur and that international legal obligations will be upheld. Mahajan emphasized that India's resolve is firm in ensuring the dignity and safety of Indian seafarers.
Mahajan further alleged that the US actions constitute a serious violation of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Geneva Conventions. He highlighted that UNCLOS guarantees freedom of navigation and protection for merchant vessels and civilian seafarers, while the Geneva Conventions protect civilian lives during armed conflict. The SJM believes that attacking non-combatant seafarers violates principles of distinction, proportionality, and necessity.
The organization also pointed to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) global maritime safety framework, which obligates nations to protect life at sea. The SJM views the killing of innocent Indian seafarers as a challenge to the rule-based international order and a threat to global maritime security. They are seeking an explanation from the US administration, which they describe as a champion of human rights, regarding the attack on a vessel that had reportedly been stationary for days.