FIVE Indian fishermen sustained injuries, two of them seriously, when the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire near Delft Island in the Palk Strait early Tuesday, triggering a strong reaction by India.
The acting high commissioner of the island nation in New Delhi was summoned to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and a strong protest was lodged.
India said the use of force is not "acceptable" under any circumstances.
The ministry said the incident occurred when the Sri Lankan Navy tried to apprehend Indian fishermen for fishing illegally in Lankan waters.
"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," it said.
Three other fishermen received minor injuries and have been treated for the same, it added.
Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen at the hospital and are extending all possible assistance to them and their families.
The Indian high commission in Colombo has raised the matter with the Sri Lankan foreign ministry.
"The government of India has always emphasised the need to treat issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane manner, keeping in mind livelihood concerns," the Indian readout noted.
The ministry condemned the use of force and wanted Colombo to strictly observe the existing understandings between the two governments.
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