India lodges strong protest over Sri Lanka Navy firing on Indian fishermen

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has lodged a strong protest following an incident in which the Sri Lanka Navy opened fire when apprehending Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.

 

In a statement, the Ministry said that the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was called to the Ministry this morning to address the matter. The Indian High Commission in Colombo has also raised the issue with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

"The Government of India has always emphasised the need to treat issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner, keeping in mind the livelihood concerns. The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. Existing understandings between the two Governments in this regard must be strictly observed," the ministry said in its statement.

 

At least two Indian fishermen sustained gunshot injuries and 11 others were arrested during a confrontation with the Sri Lanka Navy in seas off Kankesanthirai.

 

Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna visited the injured fishermen at the hospital to ensure their well-being and are providing assistance to the fishermen and their families.

 

Police said that an officer from the Northern Naval Command lodged a complaint with the KKS Police Station, stating that a group of Indian fishermen were illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters, violating sea boundaries.

 

According to the complaint, while attempting to apprehend the fishermen, an altercation occurred between an Indian fisherman and a Navy officer. During the confrontation, the officer’s duty firearm was inadvertently discharged, resulting in gunshot injuries to two fishermen, who were shot in the legs.