Navy denies firing at Indian fishermen
COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Navy denied allegations made in certain
foreign media alleging that it has killed four Indian fishermen on March
29.
The Naval Headquarters said the fleet units of Sri Lanka Navy do not
fire at fishermen and instructions have been issued to those units to
adhere to the Standing Operational Procedures when dealing with
fishermen.
Indian sources now confirm that the firing was done by another
fishing trawler named Mariah and the incident occurred well within
Indian waters.
The Sri Lanka Navy has always maintained its traditional relationship
with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard during the past which is
continuing.
The Sri Lanka Navy renders assistance whenever Indian fishermen are
in distress in the Sri Lankan waters in liaison with the Indian Coast
Guard, a release from the Media Centre for National Security said.
The two Navies meet bi-annually to discuss maritime related issues in
conferences such as “Operations Review” meeting where they specifically
discuss matters related to the fishing communities of both the
countries.’
As a result of such discussion, a group of Indian fishermen arrived
at the Talaimannar naval base on March 26 to inspect and make
arrangements to take over their fishing vessels apprehended by the Sri
Lanka Navy in various incidents for using their vessels for illegal
activities out at sea such as drug trafficking, human smuggling etc.
These boats were released by the courts on completion of legal
proctors.
This delegation was received by the Commanding Officer of the
Talaimannar naval base and were treated well during their stay. The
fishermen praised the Sri Lanka Navy for arranging to release their
boats and they welcomed Sri Lanka Navy’s hospitality.
The Sri Lanka Navy regrets the false media reporting carried out by
certain news agencies to tarnish the good image of Sri Lanka Navy in the
eyes of the South Indian fishing community.
The Navy said false information surfaces whenever the Navy confronts
LTTE sea tigers. |
