Fishermen killings should stop, they will have to be part of history, says Krishna

NEW DELHI - Taking a serious note of the alleged killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday said the killing is something, which will have to be part of history.

“One thing is certain, one thing is common and that is whatever be the circumstances using force and killing fishermen is something which will have to be part of history. It can’t be the present. It can’t be future. The Government of India is fully committed to this particular posture,” he told reporters here.

Krishna also informed that Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa had ordered an inquiry into the incidents.

“The President of Sri Lanka fully appreciates India’s position and he also shares our concerns about the killings that have gone on. He has ordered a very serious investigation into the circumstances, which led to the killing of the fishermen. He is awaiting the report of the investigation,” he added.

Krishna further assured the fishermen that they could pursue their profession without any hindrance.

“The joint statement that has been issued by the two governments. The joint statement fully assures that fishermen of Tamil Nadu will be fully protected by the Government of India and they could pursue their fishing activities without any hindrance,” he said.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao had expressed New Delhi’s deep concern over the recent violent incidents in waters between India and Sri Lanka, which had resulted in the tragic death of two Indian fishermen during her recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Nirupama Rao stressed that these incidents should be fully investigated and all steps taken to prevent their recurrence in future.

In a joint statement, Colombo said: “Given the very close bilateral relationship between the two countries, any development which impacts on the well-being of the Indian fishing community pursuing their livelihoods in the waters between the two countries, is of the utmost concern to Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka, is therefore, committed to ascertaining the facts behind the incidents.”

Krishna also assured that New Delhi was in touch the Government of United States and Indian students who have been duped by a sham university in the region of California.

“So, we have taken it up with the Government of United States at the highest level. Our Ambassador and Consulate General in San Francisco are in touch with Indian students. This refers to one particular university that is Tri-Valley University and it is a dubious university,” he said. (ANI)