Concern over fishermen killing

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, FEB 5.India has conveyed its concern to Sri Lanka at the killing of two Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly by its Navy on January 29.

The Indian High Commissioner here, Mr. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, met the Foreign Minister, Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar, on Sunday, to express New Delhi's concern at the incident. He also met officials of the Ministry of Defence.

The incident has been widely condemned by politicians in Tamil Nadu. It has been alleged that the two fishermen were shot by the Sri Lankan Navy using RPGs. Three other fishermen in the boat sustained injuries.

The incident allegedly took place in Indian waters, at Kodikkarai, off Nagapattinam. The MDMK leader and MP, Mr. Vaiko, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister, Mr A. B. Vajpayee, when he was in Chennai on February 1, demanding that the Government take action to prevent such incidents.

This was the second such incident in as many months. One fisherman was killed near Kachchathivu last November in an alleged firing by the Sri Lankan Navy. After that incident too, New Delhi had expressed its concern to the Sri Lankan Government.

It cannot be ruled out that in the latest incident, the boat was found trespasssing in Sri Lankan waters.

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Section  : International
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