Tamil Nadu Fisherman's Killing: Sri Lankan Navy Has Promised Probe, Say Government Sources
Reported by J Sam Daniel Stalin | Updated: Mar 07, 2017 12:27 IST
Tamil Nadu fisherman shot dead allegedly by Lankan navy
Protests in Rameswaram over killing; family has refused to accept body
Government expressed deep concern, raised matter with Lankan PM: sources
Chennai: Amid huge anger in Tamil Nadu over the killing of a 22-year-old fisherman by the Sri Lankan navy, government sources said today that Colombo has promised "full and thorough investigation". India has raised the killing with Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, said sources, and expressed its deep concern.
More than a thousand people gathered at the home of the fisherman, Bridgo, in Rameswaram this morning, and his family has refused to accept his body without action by the Indian and Lankan governments.
Bridgo was fishing close to the Katchatheevu islet when Lankan naval personnel opened fire, said Fisheries Department official Kulanchinathan.
Bridgo was shot in the neck and died instantly. Another fisherman, Sharon, was shot in his leg. The fishermen returned to the shore after midnight.
The Lankan personnel did not fire a warning shot before shooting at the fishermen, alleges Rameswaram Fishermen Association President P Sesuraja. Around 2,000 fishermen were taken by surprise when they were fired at, he added.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami has condemned the killing. The Tamil Nadu government had yesterday protested against the rise in fishermen being caught by Sri Lanka and said the centre "did not seem to put adequate pressure" on Colombo.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Palaniswami had referred to the arrest of 32 Indian fishermen by Lanka in the last few days and said the incidents had caused hardship and mental agony to the fishermen community.
Tamil Nadu says 85 fishermen and 128 fishing boats are currently in Lankan custody and has urged the centre to take action through diplomatic channels.
The opposition DMK's MK Stalin said, "India should warn Sri Lanka diplomatically that this can't be tolerated and there will be strong repercussions."
Tamil Nadu claims Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen have traditional rights to fish in both territories. The state is also working legally and politically to retrieve the Katchatheevu islet India had gifted Lanka in the early seventies, so that Indian fishermen would get more space to fish.
http://m.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/a...nkan-navy-family-refuses-to-take-body-1666905