Firing at Indian fishermen: MEA summons Sri Lankan envoy to lodge protest over incident

India on Tuesday summoned the Sri Lankan envoy to lodge a strong protest regarding firing by Sri Lankan Navy at Indian fishermen.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Sri Lankan Navy fired while it apprehended 13 Indian fisherman in the early hours of Tuesday. It said that two fishermen suffered serious injuries and are currently admitted at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Overall, the MEA said five fishermen were injured.

The ministry said the incident happened in the proximity of Delft Island. The MEA added the consulate at Jaffna was in touch with the fishermen.

“Out of the 13 fishermen who were on board the fishing vessel, two have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. Three other fishermen received minor injuries and have been treated for the same. Indian Consulate Officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen at the hospital to seek their welfare and are extending all possible assistance to the fishermen and their families,” said the MEA.