Sri Lanka Navy says two Indian fishermen had been injured when a group of fishermen poaching in Sri Lankan waters had attempted to seize the firearm of a Navy officer who was compelled to conduct noncompliance boarding to seize the vessel.
Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Navy said the Northern Naval Command observed a cluster of Indian fishing boats poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Valvettithurai in Jaffna last night.
Subsequently, the Northern Naval Command mounted a special operation to send away those fishing boats from the island waters, deploying naval craft.
During this operation, the Navy seized an Indian fishing boat that had continued to remain in Sri Lankan waters, while engaging in illegal fishing activities, leading to the apprehension of 13 Indian fishermen onboard the vessel.
The Sri Lanka Navy boarding team was compelled to conduct noncompliance boarding as the Indian fishing boat continued to manoeuvre aggressively, without complying with the Navy’s lawful orders.
On this occasion, the Indian fishermen acted aggressively, manoeuvring their fishing boat in a hostile manner and behaving confrontationally with the Navy.
However, while boarding the fishing boat, in accordance with the authority vested in the Navy, the Indian fishermen, as an organized group, attempted to assault naval personnel and attempted 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 minor injuries to two Indian fishermen.
Following the incident, the Navy provided initial first aid to the two injured fishermen and promptly transferred them to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for further treatment. The Navy said the hospital has confirmed that their condition is stable.
Meanwhile, the Navy has lodged a complaint with the Kankesanthurai Police regarding the incident.
The seized Indian fishing boat and remaining fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurai harbour this morning and handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for legal action. (Newswire)
