New Delhi (NVI): India today lodged a strong protest with Sri Lanka over the loss of lives of three Indian fishermen after their vessel collided with a Sri Lankan naval craft.
“We are shocked at the unfortunate loss of lives of three Indian fishermen and one Sri Lankan national following a collision between their vessel and a Sri Lankan naval craft,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
The protest in regard to the incident was conveyed by the Indian High Commissioner to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister today. A strong demarche was also made to the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi, the MEA said.
“Expressing our deep anguish at the loss of lives, we emphasized the need to deal with issues pertaining to fishermen in a humanitarian manner. Existing understandings between the two Governments in that regard must be strictly observed. Utmost efforts should be made to ensure that there is no recurrence,” the Ministry said.
India has raised the issue of livelihoods of Indian fishermen in past as well. A number of Indian fishermen are caught by Sri Lankan Navy and put behind bars every year.
-ARK
