Krishna says killing of fishermen must stop

Taking serious note of the alleged killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday said such killings will have to stop. 

"One thing is certain, one thing is common and that is whatever be the circumstances using force and killing fishermen is something which will have to be part of history. It can't be the present. It can't be future. The Government of India is fully committed to this particular posture," he told reporters in New Delhi.

Krishna also said Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa had ordered an inquiry into the incidents.

"The President of Sri Lanka fully appreciates India's position and he also shares our concerns about the killings that have gone on. He has ordered a very serious investigation into the circumstances, which led to the killing of the fishermen. He is awaiting the report of the investigation," Krishna added.

He further assured the fishermen that they could pursue their profession without any hindrance.

"The joint statement [from the two countries] fully assures that fishermen of Tamil Nadu will be fully protected by the Government of India and they could pursue their fishing activities without any hindrance," he said.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao had expressed New Delhi's deep concern over the recent violent incidents in waters between India and Sri Lanka, which had resulted in the tragic death of two Indian fishermen during her recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Nirupama Rao stressed that these incidents should be fully investigated and all steps taken to prevent their recurrence in future.