India on Tuesday summoned the Sri Lankan envoy to register protest regarding firing by Sri Lankan Navy at Indian fishermen.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Sri Lankan Navy fired while it apprehended 13 Indian fisherman in the early hours of Tuesday. It said that two fishermen suffered serious injuries and are currently admitted at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Overall, the MEA said five fishermen were injured.
The MEA said the incident happened in the proximity of Delft Island.
The MEA said the consulate at Jaffna was in touch with the fishermen.
“Out of the 13 fishermen who were on board the fishing vessel, two have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Three other fishermen received minor injuries and have been treated for the same. Indian Consulate Officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen at the hospital to seek their welfare and are extending all possible assistance to the fishermen and their families,” said the MEA.
The MEA further said that the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka also raised the issue with the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry.
Over the decades, Sri Lankan Navy has apprehended hundreds of Indian fishermen. The issue of fishermen remains contentious for the two countries. Betweem 2014-23, around 800 fishermen have been apprehended, according to India Today.
In 2023, 240 Indian fishermen were arrested and 35 trawlers were seized, according to the report.
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