New Delhi

The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), an organisation affiliated with the RSS, has written to the United States Ambassador to India protesting the deaths of three Indian seafarers who were allegedly killed in separate incidents during US military operations between June 8 and June 11.

The organisation has demanded a transparent investigation into the incidents, accountability for those responsible, and compensation for the bereaved families.

In a letter addressed to US Ambassador Sergio Gor, SJM National Co-Convenor Ashwani Mahajan expressed what he described as the "deep pain and anguish" felt over the deaths of the Indian nationals, alleging that the victims were unarmed civilian seafarers.

According to Mahajan, the incidents have generated widespread anger and disbelief among Indians.

"These incidents have created a deep sense of shock and outrage across the country. What compounded the hurt was the insensitive and irresponsible response from the US administration, which further wounded public sentiment, particularly because Indians have traditionally regarded the United States as a close friend," he said in the letter.

The SJM called for a time-bound, impartial and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and sought strict action against those found responsible, regardless of whether they were individuals or state actors.

The organisation also demanded that the families of the deceased receive adequate compensation and justice, while urging the US administration to provide assurances that similar incidents would not recur.

"India's anguish is profound, and its determination is unwavering. Those responsible must be held accountable, and the dignity and safety of Indian seafarers must be protected at all costs," Mahajan stated.

He added that India retains the option of pursuing the matter before international bodies, including the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in its quest for justice for the victims and their families.

In the letter, Mahajan argued that the alleged attacks represented a serious breach of established principles of international law governing maritime conduct, armed conflict and human rights.

He pointed out that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) guarantees freedom and security of navigation on international waters and protects merchant vessels engaged in civilian activity from unlawful interference.

"Commercial vessels operated by civilian crews enjoy protection under internationally accepted norms. Any attack on such ships without lawful justification amounts to a violation of those principles," he said.

Mahajan further stressed that even during armed conflicts, international humanitarian law extends protection to civilians.

Referring to the Geneva Conventions, he noted that merchant seafarers are non-combatants and cannot be considered legitimate military targets.

"The principles of distinction, proportionality and necessity are fundamental to international humanitarian law. Civilian seafarers fall squarely within the category of protected persons," he said.

The SJM also highlighted that the IMO's maritime safety framework places an obligation on nations to safeguard human life at sea.

According to the organisation, attacks that jeopardise the lives of civilian seafarers undermine the very foundations of international maritime cooperation.

"The deaths of these innocent Indian seafarers go beyond a bilateral concern. They challenge the credibility of the rules-based international order. If such actions go unaddressed, they risk weakening respect for international law and jeopardising maritime security across the globe," Mahajan said.

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He added that the people of India were seeking answers from the US administration and expected accountability consistent with the principles it has long advocated on the global stage.