Govt denies harassment of Indian fishermen
The government of Sri Lanka strongly refutes allegations contained in
certain foreign media reports that the Sri Lanka Navy had detained and
harassed Indian fishermen aboard fishing trawlers which had been
detected poaching in Sri Lankan waters.
In this regard, the Foreign Ministry wishes to state that the Sri
Lanka Navy shore based radars at Talaimannar and Delft island detected
approximately 300 Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan
territorial waters close to Talaimannar and Delft island, heading
towards the uncleared area of Vedithalthivu around 11.30 a.m on July 2.
Following the receipt of credible information that the LTTE was
attempting to use the presence of the trawlers for terrorist activities,
Sri Lanka Navy boats rushed to the area and checked 289 trawlers and
after conducting inquiries, permitted the trawlers to leave with the
crew back into the Indian waters.
At no point were the fishermen harassed by the Navy personnel or
subjected to any humiliation as alleged in certain media reports. |