India summons Lanka High Commissioner over fisherman shooting incident

NEW DELHI: The External Affiars ministry has summoned Sri Lankan High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam asking for an explanation on the fisherman shooting incident.

Reacting strongly to the killing of an Indian fisherman in firing by the Sri Lankan Navy, India today said such incidents have no "justification" and called on the authorities there to "desist" from use of force.

In a fresh incident of attack on Tamil Nadu fishermen in Palk Straits, one person was killed when Sri Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire at three fishermen, who put out to sea from Jagadapattinnam near Pudukottai yesterday.

"We have received reports of the death of an Indian fisherman due to firing by Sri Lankan Navy personnel. Our High Commissioner in Colombo has immediately taken up this matter with the Sri Lankan Government and expressed our deep concern and regret at this incident.

"We have emphasised that resort to firing in these situations has no justification and called on the Sri Lankan authorities to desist from use of force," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said here.

It said the welfare and the safety of Indian fishermen in the waters between India and Sri Lanka have received very high priority by the government.

"We have consistently emphasised to the Sri Lankan government to refrain from firing on our fishermen and scrupulously adhere to the October 2008 understanding reached between the two governments. We call on the Sri Lankan Navy to exercise maximum restraint and avoid use of force in such situations," the statement said.