NEW DELHI: A firing incident by the Sri Lankan Navy near Delft Island early Tuesday left five Indian fishermen injured, including two with serious injuries, prompting a strong diplomatic response from India.Priyanga Wickramasinghe, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi was summoned to the External Affairs Ministry and a strong protest was lodged over the incident. The Sri Lankan diplomat was told that use of force is not “acceptable” under any circumstances whatsoever.“Our High Commission in Colombo has also raised the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sri Lankan government,” External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.“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,” the MEA said.Out of the 13 fishermen who were on board the fishing vessel, two have suffered 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,” the statement said.The Government of India has stressed the importance of addressing issues related to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian way, with consideration for their livelihoods. The use of force is unacceptable, and existing agreements between the two governments should be strictly followed.“Government of India has always emphasized the need to treat issues pertaining to fishermen humane and humanitarian, keeping in mind livelihood concerns. The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. Existing understandings between the two Governments in this regard must be strictly observed,” External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
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