Colombo, March 7 (NIA) – The Sri Lankan government on Tuesday said it will probe an alleged shooting incident on Indian fishermen on Monday evening which resulted in one being killed and injuring another.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry in Colombo said the safety of fishermen was of utmost importance and the government of Sri Lanka was firm in its commitment to ensuring that all government agencies treat all Indian fishermen in a humane manner at all times.
“The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the alleged shooting on Indian fishermen, and the connected loss of life of one fisherman and injury caused to another,” the statement said.
“Initial investigations indicate that the Sri Lanka Navy is not involved in this alleged incident. Irrespective of the parties involved, if in fact a shooting has taken place, it is a matter of grave concern, and all possible action will be taken, in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities, to investigate into this incident, utilizing GPS technology as well.”
Indian media reports said that the family of the 22-year-old Indian fisherman K Britso, who was allegedly shot dead by Sri Lankan Navy soldiers near the Palk Strait on Monday, had refused to take his body from the hospital in Tamil Nadu and had demanded action against the killers.
India said it was deeply concerned over the killing of its fisherman and had taken up the matter with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
(The pic featured above shows Tamil Nadu fishermen moaning near the body of a 22 year old fisherman who was allegedly shot on Monday night. Pic Courtesy NDTV)
