Fisherman's killing: Amid protests, India takes up matter with Sri Lankan PM; Stalin urges govt to react strongly

Deeply concerned over the killing of Tamil Nadu fisherman by Sri Lankan navy, India on Tuesday took up the matter with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

A 22-year-old Indian fisherman was shot dead allegedly by the Sri Lankan navy on Monday while he was fishing in a mechanised boat at a short distance off Katchatheevu island.

The incident occurred when Bridgo, from Thangachimadam in central Rameswaram of Tamil Nadu, was fishing near the islet along with others and the Sri Lankan naval personnel arrived at the spot and opened fire, Fisheries Department Assistant Director Kulanchinathan said.

Bridgo was shot in the neck and died on the spot, while another fisherman, Saravanan (22), suffered injuries in his leg in the firing while others who went along with them escaped unhurt and returned to the shore.

Protests were witnessed at several places in Tamil Nadu against Sri Lankan Navy, while Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi party workers climbed on the tower. 

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has announced Rs. five lakh for the dead and Rs. one lakh for the fisherman injured in shooting.

Condemning the killing, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president MK. Stalin on Tuesday urged the Central Government to react strongly and demanded it to hold embassy-level talks at once on the issue.

"It's high time the Central Government reacts strongly to this problem. The Central Government cannot be a mute spectator. It should take up this issue with Indian ambassador in Sri Lanka or the High Commission of Sri Lanka in India," Stalin said in a statement.

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday protested the "escalation" in apprehension of its fishermen by Sri Lanka and said the Centre did "not seem to put adequate pressure" on Colombo regarding the matter.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister K Palaniswami had referred to the arrest of 32 Indian fishermen by the Lankan authorities in the last few days and said these incidents were causing hardship and mental agony to the fishermen community.

Noting that currently there were 85 fishermen and 128 fishing boats in Lankan custody, he had urged Modi to direct the External Affairs Ministry officials concerned to take concrete action through diplomatic channels to secure their release.

(With agency inputs)