(TAMIL NADU, LANKAPUVATH) – Fishermen protests in Tamil Nadu’s Rameshwaram continue on the third consecutive day. The protest is being organised demanding compensation for 22-year-old fisherman K. Britso who was allegedly shot by a Sri Lankan Navy officer, the India Today reported on Friday (10).
Fishermen in Tamil Nadu have threatened a State-wide agitation if action is not taken against Sri Lankan Navy officer. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) raised the issue in the House on Thursday (09), while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Leader Kanimozhi spoke on the issue in the Parliament demanding Centre’s intervention into the matter.
The fishermen community has refused the State Government’s compensation saying that the Sri Lankan Government pay damages to the deceased fisherman’s family. The community even demanded the removal of the Navy officer who shot Britso.
So far Sri Lankan Government is treading carefully and even assured that they have initiated a detailed probe into the matter. In a goodwill gesture, the Sri Lankan Government has also announced to release the Indian Fishermen in their custody.
Meanwhile, on Thursday 2 Sri Lankan fishermen were arrested by India Coast Guard (ICG) for allegedly fishing off the Vedarayam Coast.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi Leader Thol Thirumavalavan claimed that nearly 900 Indian fishermen were killed in the last 25-years and urged the Centre to take steps to protect the rights of fishermen.
India on Friday said that it expects Sri Lanka to expedite the investigation in the killing of one of its fishermen given the ‘Gravity and seriousness’ of the issue.
Sri Lanka has informed the Indian High Commission in Colombo that it will release all 85 Indian fishermen in their custody, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.
The Lankan Navy has denied the allegation, saying it does not open fire at poaching fishermen and only arrests them. Sri Lanka has said it ordered an investigation into the incident and wanted to ensure that such incidents would not hamper the good relations between the two countries.
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