The long term dissension between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka ain’t an oblivious story to the people of this country. Time and again, fishermen from Tamil Nadu have been killed and amidst bizarre circumstances, K Bridjo, a fisherman from Rameshwaram was shot dead Monday night.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, just like other Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu in the past, was quick to react and urged the Lankan government to look closely into this matter. The reaction from the other side was pretty much what people expected as the Lankan government has vociferously denied any involvement.
Whilst CM Palaniswami has requested the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to summon the Lankan Government to look closely into the matter and hold a serious investigation over this unprovoked killing.
Indian foreign ministry said in a press release “Government of India is deeply concerned at the killing of an Indian fisherman. Our high commissioner to Sri Lanka has taken up the matter with the prime minister of Sri Lanka (Ranil Wickremesinghe).The Sri Lankan Navy has promised a full and thorough investigation.”
On the flip side, Lieutenant commander Chaminda Walakuluge, Sri Lankan navy spokesman has denied any involvement from the Lankan Navy in this case. He also suggested that they only arrested fishermen poaching in the wrong place and they never opened fire.
In reply to the allegations, Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said “All possible action will be taken in cooperation with the relevant Indian authorities to investigate into this incident utilizing GPS technology as well.” Tamil Nadu government has announced an aid of Rs. 5 Lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 1 Lakh to Saron, who was found fatally wounded and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Rameshwaram.
Quite palpably, there have been some harsh condemnation of these attacks from various popular figures. Dravida Munnethra Kazgham(DMK) working President has lashed out hard at the Lankan government and has said “There is no justification for calling Sri Lanka a friendly neighbour after these repeated attacks and killings.”
This long term rivalry between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka is getting a lot more intensifying which is completely of no use to the diplomatic relation between the neighbors. “They opened fire surrounding our boat and Bridjo was shot in the neck. Saron suffered injuries while we managed to hide from bullets”, said Clintus, a crew member of the boat to India Times.
The next few days we might expect some incredible turn around of events, given the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi decides to react. CM Palaniswami has quoted in his letter to the PM,
“I write in deep anguish to bring to your urgent notice the cold blooded, inhuman, horrific and illegal barbaric killing of a young Indian fisherman from Tamil Nadu due to the unprovoked firing by Sri Lankan navy.”
