Sri Lanka assures of probe into Indian fisherman's killing: MEA

The Indian government on Thursday said Colombo had assured of a thorough probe into the killing of an Indian fisherman allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy.

"The Sri Lankan government has assured us of a very thorough investigation into the matter. Let us await its outcome," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Gopal Baglay said.

India approached the Sri Lankan government through its High Commission in Colombo and conveyed its concern regarding the Monday night killing.

Referring to Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka, Baglay said: "The government of Sri Lanka has informed the High Commission of India in Colombo that all 85 Indian fisherman currently in Sri Lankan custody will be released."

"We understand that instructions to authorities concerned in Sri Lanka have been issued in this regard. We are awaiting further orders," he said.

In the latest incident of its kind, six fishermen from Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram district were fired at on Monday night while they were fishing near the Katchatheevu islet in Palk Strait.

Fisherman K. Britjo was killed and another injured, who was hospitalised in Tamil Nadu.

On Thursday, Lok Sabha members also raised the issue in the house and sought action from the Indian government.

AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai said Indian fishermen were regularly being troubled by the Sri Lankan Navy which, at times, also took away their fishing equipment.

Colombo initially denied Sri Lankan Navy's involvement in the killing but later promised a thorough probe into the incident.

--IANS

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