On Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a strong protest with the acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi over the incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy that resulted in the injury to five Indian fishermen, including two seriously. According to an official statement by the MEA, the incident took place at Delft Island when 13 Indian fishermen were apprehended.
The MEA said: “In the early hours of morning, Sri Lankan Navy had reported an incident of firing during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island.”
Two of the 13 fishermen on board the fishing vessel suffered serious injuries and are being treated at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. The Indian consulate officials in Jaffna also visited the injured fishermen to assess their condition and take care of them. The fishermen and their families are receiving all the help they can get.
Another 3 people suffered minor injuries and are being treated. Taking into consideration, efforts are being made to provide the necessary support to all those affected by the incident, the MEA confirmed.
The MEA responded by summoning a Sri Lankan envoy in New Delhi to express strong objection to the incident. The Indian High Commission in Colombo also informed the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the matter and asked it to address the issue expeditiously and ensure the safe return of Indian fishermen.
With the incident raising questions over safety for Indian fishermen near the International Maritime Boundary Line, they, too, have good reasons to feel insecure. The MEA stressed that such incidents need not repeat and re-emphasised that it would continue to protect the rights and welfare of Indian fishermen. Indian authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
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