NEW DELHI: India summoned acting Sri Lankan high commissioner to lodge a strong protest against an incident of firing by Lankan navy at Indian fishermen, two of whom sustained serious injuries. Indian high commission in Colombo also raised the issue with Lankan foreign ministry, saying use of force was unacceptable under any circumstances. According to MEA, an incident of firing by the navy during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen in the proximity of Delft Island was reported early Tuesday.
“Govt of India has always emphasized the need to treat issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner, keeping in mind livelihood concerns. The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. Existing understandings between the two govts in this regard must be strictly observed,” it added.
“Our high commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with ministry of foreign affairs of the Sri Lankan govt,” the MEA statement said.
According to Sri Lanka Navy, though, there was only an accidental case of firing that caused “slight injuries” to the fishermen. “Sri Lankan boarding team was compelled to conduct non-compliance boarding as Indian fishing boat continued to manoeuvre aggressively, without complying with Navy’s lawful orders and its duty, during the process of taking the boat into custody,” it said.
“However, while boarding the boat, the Indian fishermen, as an organised group, attempted to assault naval personnel and made an attempt to snatch a firearm from a naval officer. In the process, an accidental fire has taken place, causing slight injuries to two Indian fishermen,” added the navy