Navy not involved in killing, says Sri Lanka after initial probe

The 22-year-old Indian fisherman Bridjo was shot dead on Monday while he was fishing in a mechanised boat at a short distance off Katchatheevu islet. Fishermen in Tamil Nadu alleged that he was killed by the Sri Lankan Navy while another was injured. 

In New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry said, “Government of India is deeply concerned at the killing of an Indian fisherman. Our High Commissioner to Sri Lanka has taken up the matter with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (Ranil Wickremesinghe). The Sri Lankan Navy has promised a full and thorough investigation.” 

MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay said the firing on the Indian fisherman is “unacceptable” and is contrary to the understanding between the two countries. Sri Lankan Navy Spokesman Lieutenant Commander Chaminda Walakuluge in Colombo categorically denied any involvement of the Navy in the fisherman’s killing, saying the Navy does not open fire at poaching fishermen and only arrests them. 

Another fisherman, Saron (22), suffered leg injuries in the firing. Meanwhile, the Coastal Security Group in Mandapam registered a case against the Sri Lankan Navy. Based on the complaint from fellow fishermen, a case was under three sections such as murder, attempt to murder and issuing threat to fishermen.

Relatives of Bridjo refused to receive his body after post-mortem examination was conducted at the Rameswaram Government Hospital. Fishermen and people of Thangachimadam also protested Bridjo’s killing by the Sri Lankan navy. On Monday, Rameswaram fishermen had gone out to sea in 442 mechanised boats and when they were fishing near Katchatheevu, Sri Lankan Navy, in five boats, had surrounded and started firing at them. In the incident, six fishermen in a single boat were trapped. The Sri Lankan Navy allegedly threw bombs at the fishermen. To escape the attack, the fishermen jumped into the sea but the firing continued. The fishermen immediately informed their association leaders on the shore who requested Indian Coast Guard for help which was not forthcoming immediately.