India protests SL Navy’s ‘accidental’ firing incident
COLOMBO – India has lodged a strong protest with Sri Lanka over an incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) firing at Indian fishermen near Delft Island. The firing, which occurred during an operation to apprehend 13 Indian fishermen on Monday (27), left two fishermen seriously injured.
According to the Navy’s statement, the incident took place in Sri Lanka’s northern waters during the early hours of Monday when naval craft intercepted Indian fishing boats allegedly engaged in poaching. The Navy reported that the fishermen’s vessel manoeuvred aggressively, leading to what it described as an “accidental firing.” The two injured fishermen are receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, while three others with minor injuries have already been treated.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs summoned Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi to express its strong protest over the incident. The Indian High Commission in Colombo echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of handling issues related to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner. “The use of force is unacceptable under any circumstances. Existing agreements between the two governments must be strictly adhered to,” the High Commission stated.
The Sri Lankan Navy, however, defended its actions, citing noncompliance by the Indian fishing boat and an attempt by the fishermen to assault naval personnel and seize a firearm. The Navy claimed the firing was accidental and occurred during an organized confrontation by the fishermen.
The longstanding issue of illegal fishing in Sri Lanka’s northern waters remains a source of tension. Indian trawlers using bottom-trawling methods are often accused of depleting fish stocks and undermining the livelihoods of Sri Lankan fishermen. Despite arrests and boat confiscations, poaching continues to strain relations between the two nations.
-ENCL
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