Sri Lankan Navy Opens Fire on Indian Fishermen, India Demands Immediate Action

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Sri Lankan Navy has opened fire on Indian fishermen, injuring five of them. The injured fishermen have been hospitalized. India has strongly condemned this incident. The firing took place on Tuesday morning near Delft Island, where five Indian fishermen were injured. In response to the incident, India summoned the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest. India stated that the use of force is "unacceptable" under any circumstances.

Firing on fishermen by the Navy

The Ministry of External Affairs said, "During the capture of 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island, the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire. Two of the 13 fishermen on the fishing boat were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment at Jaffna Teaching Hospital." It was also reported that three other fishermen sustained minor injuries and received treatment. Officials from the Indian Consulate in Jaffna visited the injured fishermen in the hospital to inquire about their well-being and all possible assistance is being provided to the fishermen and their families.

'Strict adherence to agreements'

The Ministry of External Affairs further stated, "The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry and a strong protest was lodged regarding the incident." The Indian High Commission in Colombo has also raised the issue with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India's statement emphasized, "The Government of India has always stressed the need to address fishermen-related issues in a humane manner, taking into account their livelihood concerns." The Ministry concluded, "The use of force is unacceptable under any circumstances, and the existing agreements between the two governments must be strictly followed."