In a tense development on Tuesday, five Indian fishermen were injured after the Sri Lankan Navy reportedly opened fire on them near Delft Island.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has responded strongly to the incident, summoning Sri Lanka’s acting High Commissioner in New Delhi to lodge a formal protest.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of the day when the Sri Lankan Navy attempted to apprehend 13 Indian fishermen who were in the vicinity of Delft Island.
According to the MEA, two of the fishermen sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Three others were reported to have minor injuries and have been admitted for treatment.
Indian officials have not taken the matter lightly. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the action, describing it as "unacceptable." The ministry’s statement added that the Indian Consulate in Jaffna is providing assistance to the injured fishermen, ensuring they receive the necessary care.
Indian officials have also emphasised the importance of treating such incidents with sensitivity, keeping in mind the humanitarian aspect, especially since these incidents often involve livelihood concerns.
The Sri Lankan Navy, in response to the allegations, has defended its actions. According to an official statement from the Navy, the firing was accidental.
They claimed that the fishermen, acting as an organised group, attempted to assault naval personnel and even tried to seize a firearm from one of the officers.
The Navy further stated that during this scuffle, an accidental shot was fired, leading to the injuries of two fishermen. This account, however, has been met with scepticism by the Indian authorities.
In addition to summoning the Sri Lankan acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has also raised the issue with the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry.
The Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that the use of force is unacceptable under any circumstances, stressing the importance of adhering to existing agreements between the two nations on the treatment of fishermen.
The government of India has repeatedly emphasised the need for a humane approach to resolving issues related to fishermen, especially in the context of cross-border fishing disputes.
Both nations have engaged in dialogue in the past to ensure that such incidents are handled in a peaceful and constructive manner. The use of force, India insists, goes against the principles of these understandings and must be avoided at all costs.
This incident is the latest in a series of tensions between the two nations over fishing rights.
Earlier this month, Sri Lankan authorities arrested eight Indian fishermen for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding the disputed maritime boundaries between the two countries.
These arrests took place on January 11 during a special operation conducted by the Sri Lankan Navy in the sea area north of Mannar.
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