Fisherman killing: India registers formal complaint with Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI - India has formally lodged a protest with the Sri Lankan Government over its navy opening fire on Indian fishermen near the Tamil Nadu coast.

“We have received reports of the death of an Indian fisherman due to firing by Sri Lankan Navy personnel. Our High Commissioner in Colombo has immediately taken up this matter with the Sri Lankan Government and expressed our deep concern and regret at this incident,” said External Affairs Ministry Official Spokesperson Vishnu Prakash over the issue.

“We have emphasized that resort to firing in these situations has no justification and called on the Sri Lankan authorities to desist from use of force,” he added.

Vishnu Prakash further said the welfare and the safety of fishermen in the waters between India and Sri Lanka have received very high priority by the government.

“We have consistently emphasized to the Sri Lankan Government to refrain from firing on our fishermen and scrupulously adhere to the October 2008 Understanding reached between the two governments. We call on the Sri Lankan Navy to exercise maximum restraint and avoid use of force in such situations,” he added.

Earlier today, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi sent a telegram to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, demanding his immediate intervention in stopping the killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy.

“Atrocities of Lankan navy are continuing unabated in spite of repeated assurances. This incident may be taken with Lankan Government for immediate action against those responsible for shooting and killing. Your personal intervention is requested for firm action to end such killings,” said Karunanidhi in his telegram.

A fisherman from Tamil Nadu was killed and another injured after the Sri Lankan navy opened fire on them at sea near the Tamil Nadu coast.

The fishermen belong to a village in Pudukottai, about 350 kilometres from Chennai. (ANI)