Five Indian fishermen were injured, including two critically, after the Sri Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire on them near Delft Island early Tuesday. The incident has led to a strong protest from India, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoning Sri Lanka’s acting High Commissioner in New Delhi to express its displeasure over the actions.
The MEA called the firing “unacceptable” and emphasized the need for humane treatment of fishermen. In its official statement, the ministry said:
“An incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen in the proximity of Delft Island was reported in the early hours of this morning. Two of the fishermen have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Jaffna Teaching Hospital.”
Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna are providing assistance to the injured fishermen, while three others with minor injuries are also receiving medical care.
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The MEA emphasized that force should never be used in such situations: “The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances. Existing understandings between the two governments in this regard must be strictly observed.”
What Sri Lanka Responded
In response, the Sri Lankan Navy issued a statement claiming the incident was the result of an “accidental firing.” The navy alleged that the Indian fishermen acted as an organized group, attempting to assault naval personnel and snatch a firearm.
“The Indian fishermen, as an organized group, attempted to assault naval personnel and made an attempt to snatch a firearm from a naval officer, endangering lives. In the process, an accidental fire occurred, causing slight injuries to two Indian fishermen,” the statement read.
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This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. Earlier this month, on January 11, eight Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan territorial waters north of Mannar.
The recurring disputes over fishing rights and territorial waters have long been a point of contention between the two nations, with Indian fishermen often straying into Sri Lankan waters and facing arrests or confrontations.
India’s High Commission in Colombo has raised the issue with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, urging adherence to agreements that ensure the humane treatment of fishermen. The MEA emphasized livelihood concerns and called for restraint to prevent such incidents in the future.
