India deeply concerned over killing of TN fisherman

Police personnel deployed at Government hospital at Rameswaram, where the deceased fisherman's body kept.   | Photo Credit: L Balachandar

MARCH 07, 2017

India on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the alleged killing of a Tamil Nadu fisherman by the Sri Lankan navy. The Ministry of External Affairs said the High Commissioner of India has taken up the issue and reached out to the highest leadership in Colombo.

“The Government of India is deeply concerned at the killing of an Indian fisherman. Our High Commissioner to Sri Lanka has taken up the matter with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan navy has promised a full and thorough investigation,” sources in the Ministry of External Affairs the media even as reports came of public outrage in Tamil Nadu’s coastal region.

Twenty-one-year old K. Bristo from Thangachimadam died and several were injured after the Sri Lankan navy allegedly fired at them near Rameswaram on Monday late evening. Locals said their boat was in the high seas at the time of the incident.

This is the first incident of alleged killing of an Indian fisherman after the December 2 agreement when both sides decided to release the fishing boats in each other’s custody. The meeting, which was held under the Joint Working Group framework, also pledged to avoid use of violence against fishermen.

The Sri Lankan authorities have denied that they shot at the Indian fisherman but maintained that they are authorised to counter poaching activities. Sri Lanka navy captain Samindha Valaguluge was quoted by a news channel as saying, “Our boats are not authorised to open fire. But we have been instructed to arrest fishermen and seize their boats if they are crossing the border.”