Five Indian fishermen sustained injuries, two of them critically, after the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire at them in the proximity of Delft Island early on Tuesday. The incident has sparked a strong response from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which summoned Sri Lanka's acting High Commissioner in New Delhi to register a formal protest against the action.

Calling the action 'unacceptable', the Foreign Ministry stated, "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".

"Out of the 13 fishermen who were on board the fishing vessel, two have sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Jaffna Teaching hospital," it added.

Three more fishermen onboard the same vessel received minor injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the Indian Consulate officials in Jaffna have visited the injured fishermen and are extending all possible help.

"The Sri Lankan acting high commissioner in New Delhi was called in today morning to the Ministry of External Affairs and a strong protest was lodged over the incident," MEA said.

Additionally, the Indian High Commission in Colombo has raised the matter with the Sri Lankan foreign ministry. "The government of India has always emphasised the need to treat issues pertaining to fishermen in a humane and humanitarian manner, keeping in mind livelihood concerns," the MEA statement read further.

"The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever.Existing understandings between the two governments in this regard must be strictly observed," it added.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Navy claimed that an accidental firing took place as the Indian fishermen, acting as an organised group, attempted to assault naval personnel.

"The Indian fishermen, as an organized group, have attempted to assault naval personnel and made an attempt to snatch a firearm from a naval officer, endangering the lives of the naval personnel. In the process, an accidental fire has taken place, causing slight injuries to two Indian fishermen," the Sri Lankan Navy said in an official statement.

Earlier this month, eight Indian fishermen were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing in the island nation's territorial waters. The arrests took place on January 11 during a special operation conducted in the sea area north of Mannar.

Source: India Today