Colombo, March 9 (NIA) – Fishermen in India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu, on Thursday demanded the expulsion of Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to New Delhi and Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai following the killing of an Indian fisherman allegedly by the Sri Lanka Navy.
N. Devadas, President of the Rameshwaram Fisherman’s Association told NewsIn.Asia that they urged the Sri Lanka and Indian governments to look into the shooting incident and ‘stop pretending’ that both nations maintained friendly ties.
“We ask Indian and Sri Lankan governments to stop the drama about friendly ties. The Indian government should send back the Sri Lankan High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai until a solution is found to this issue,” Devadas said.
Tensions have erupted between India and Sri Lanka after the killing of a 22 year old Indian fisherman in the seas of Palk Strait on Monday evening.
The Indian fishermen alleged that they were shot by the Sri Lankan Navy which resulted in the death of the Indian fisherman, Bridgo, and injured one other.
The Sri Lankan Navy and the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry have denied the allegations stating that such an incident had not taken place. However President Maithripala Sirisena, in talks with Indian leaders on Wednesday assured that a full probe would be conducted.
The protesting fishermen have refused to accept the body of the fisherman unless a central minister visits Sri Lanka and gives them an assurance that such incidents would not happen again.
The fishermen have also demanded the arrest of the Sri Lankan navy men allegedly involved in the incident.
