India protests Sri Lankan Navy's firing at fishermen, summons Acting High Commissioner

India has lodged a strong protest against the Sri Lankan Navy following an incident involving the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen near Delft Island. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned the Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in Delhi to express its concerns over the firing during the apprehension. 

In a statement, the MEA said, "The Sri Lankan Acting High Commissioner in New Delhi was called in today morning to the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest was lodged over the incident. Our High Commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sri Lankan government."

Out of the 13 fishermen on board the vessel, two sustained serious injuries and are being treated at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, while three others with minor injuries have received medical attention. 

The MEA added, "An incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy during the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen in the proximity of Delft Island was reported in the early hours of this morning. 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 visited the injured fishermen at the hospital and are providing all possible assistance to the fishermen and their families. The Indian government reiterated its stance on treating fishermen-related issues with sensitivity, emphasizing livelihood concerns. 

The MEA noted, "The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. Existing understandings between the two Governments in this regard must be strictly observed."

The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Indian fishermen and the Sri Lankan Navy over fishing rights in the Palk Strait, a recurring source of conflict. Arrests and detentions of Indian fishermen have become common, prompting interventions by both the Indian central and state governments.

Recently, 41 Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy were repatriated to Chennai. Among them, 35 fishermen from Ramanathapuram district had been arrested near Katchatheevu on September 8, 2024, for alleged cross-border fishing. Their release was secured after efforts by the Indian Union and Tamil Nadu governments. 

Earlier, on January 16, another group of 15 fishermen detained in 2024 were freed and returned to Chennai. These fishermen had been arrested in separate incidents, including eight near Mannar Island on September 27 and 12 from Nagapattinam district on November 11.