Stalin dubs Indian fisherman's killing 'grave human rights violation'

Furious over the killing of an Indian fisherman by the Sri Lankan Navy, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin on Wednesday dubbed the episode as 'grave human rights violation'.

Urging for a strong action to be taken against the concerned authorities, Stalin requested the External Affairs Ministry to intervene immediately. He suggested that the Lankan envoy should be summoned and warned of dire consequences if such atrocities and killings continue.

Dubbing the Sri Lankan Navy's breach a blatant and barbaric violation of agreements reached after international talks, Stalin said there is a strong feeling and displeasure that the Centre has miserably failed in protecting the lives of innocent fishermen despite serious rounds of discussion.

"The horrible part of the whole unlawful and unwarranted act is that the Government of Sri Lanka is in denial mode on this cold-blooded murder and even refused to take responsibility," Stalin stated in a letter addressed to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"This monstrous act of killing by the Sri Lankan Navy has sent shock waves among the fishermen in the state and uncontrollable anger is sweeping across the state," the letter further read.

Stalin had yesterday requested the Central Government to react strongly to this problem.

"The Central Government cannot be a mute spectator. It should take up this issue with Indian ambassador in Sri Lanka or the High Commission of Sri Lanka in India," Stalin said in a statement.

Stalin's remark came after an Indian fisherman was killed by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Meanwhile, the Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi Party workers climbed a tower in protest against the Lankan Navy in Rameswaram.

The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Pricho.