Sri Lankan Navy Firing: India Protests Over Attack on Fishermen Near Delft Island
In a troubling incident, the Sri Lankan Navy reportedly opened fire on Indian fishermen near Delft Island, injuring five fishermen. The attack, which occurred during the apprehension of Indian fishermen who mistakenly crossed the international maritime boundary, has sparked a strong protest from India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India summoned the acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and expressed strong disapproval over the firing incident. The Indian High Commissioner in Colombo is also set to raise the matter with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry.
According to a PTI report, the five injured fishermen are from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Of the five, two are in critical condition and have been hospitalized in Jaffna, while three others received minor treatment. Thirteen fishermen were arrested in connection with the incident, and their boat was seized by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Indian consulate officials visited the hospital to check on the injured and ensured that all possible assistance would be provided to the fishermen and their families. The Indian government has reiterated the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns related to fishermen, emphasizing that the use of force is inappropriate under any circumstances.
Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy has appealed to the Indian government to coordinate with Sri Lanka to secure the release of the detained fishermen. According to Rangaswamy, six of the arrested fishermen are from Karaikal in Puducherry, while the other seven are from Tamil Nadu.
In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the actions of the Sri Lankan Navy and called for a humanitarian approach to resolve the issue. The Indian government has also highlighted the significance of addressing livelihood issues for fishermen, ensuring their safety and protection during maritime activities.
