19 June 2021 10:03 am Views - 120
The Indian High Commission denied allegations by a group of Sri Lankan fishermen that they were attacked physically by the Indian Navy.
A group of 13 Sri Lankan fishermen alleged that they set sail on May 7 on board trawlers ‘Thushan 1’ and ‘Thushan II’ from the Dickowita harbour and were physically assaulted by the Indian Navy in the international waters around Diego Garcia on June 4. The fishermen said they were mercilessly beaten by the Indian Navy personnel asking for drugs and satellite phones.
Asked about this allegation, a diplomatic source said the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi was gathering information to ascertain the veracity of such allegation.
India and Sri Lanka are involved in a long standing fisheries issue with fishermen. Sri Lanka has proposed joint management of maritime resources and mechanism to deter fishermen from India from poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The use of unlawful fishing gear has done damage to maritime resources.
Both sides have agreed that the issues related to fishermen of both the countries should be addressed in a humanitarian manner. Also, there are instances of Sri Lankan fishermen getting arrested in India over allegations of narcotics smuggling.