5 Indian fishermen injured in firing by Sri Lankan Navy

Five Indian fishermen have suffered injuries in an incident near Delft island due to firing by Sri Lankan Navy yesterday night. Two fishermen have sustained bullet injuries, while three others received minor injuries. The injured were initially treated by naval medics before being detained and taken to the Kankesanthurai Naval Base late last night. They were later transferred to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in the early hours of today.

The incident occurred as a fishing boat from Karaikal with 13 Indian fishermen, including 4 from Nagapattinam and 9 from Karaikal, was intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy for alleged fishing in Sri Lankan waters. The incident escalated when the fishermen attempted



to return to Indian waters, leading to the Navy firing at the boat and its occupants.

Indian consular officials visited the injured fishermen at Jaffna Teaching Hospital in the morning to assess their condition. One fisherman, Senthamizh, faces a potential lower limb amputation, though doctors are exploring alternatives. The other has a bullet lodged in his foot but is stable.

India has strongly protested the incident, with consular officials lodging a demarche with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry. The Consul General and consular staff are closely monitoring the situation, advocating for the fishermen’s welfare and medical care.