'Not Acceptable': MEA Protests Against Sri Lanka Navy Firing On Indian Fishermen, Two Seriously Injured

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lodged a protest against Sri Lanka following an incident in which its navy fired upon Indian fishermen near Delft Island in the Palk Strait early on Tuesday (28 January).

The incident resulted in two individuals sustaining serious injuries, while three others suffered minor wounds. The event took place while 13 Indian fishermen were being detained, The Hindu reported.

The two severely wounded fishermen are currently under medical care at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, where they have received aid from officials of the Indian consulate who paid them a visit.

The Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi was summoned by the MEA to register an official complaint. Concurrently, the issue was also brought up with the Sri Lankan authorities by the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

“The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever,” the MEA said asserting that since the fishermen’s issues are related to livelihood concerns, they should be handled humanely and in humanitarian manner.

The Ministry urged for the rigorous adherence to already established mutual agreements concerning fishing operations in the area.

"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 MEA was quoted as saying by NDTV.

The Sri Lankan Navy's arrest of at least 34 Indian fishermen and the seizure of three trawlers for unlawful fishing occurred a day prior, in two distinct incidents on Sunday.