5 Indian fishermen injured in Sri Lankan Navy firing
India summons Sri Lanka envoy, lodges strong protest
India's ministry of external affairs (MEA) summoned the acting high commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest with the top diplomat on Tuesday, after five Indian fishermen sustained injuries, including two seriously, in an incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy in the proximity of Delft Island, news agency PTI reported.
India, in its reaction, said the use of force is not "acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever.
"An incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen in the proximity of Delft Island was reported in the early hours of this morning," the MEA said in a statement.
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"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," the MEA added.
Three other fishermen received minor injuries and have been treated for the same, it said.
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.
"The Sri Lankan acting high commissioner in New Delhi was called in today morning to the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest was lodged over the incident," the MEA said.
The Indian high commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with the Sri Lankan foreign ministry.
"The government of India has always emphasised the need to treat issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner, keeping in mind livelihood concerns," the Indian readout noted.
"The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. Existing understandings between the two governments in this regard must be strictly observed," the MEA said.
