Navy denies Indian claims

By Gandhya Senanayake

The Sri Lankan navy today vehemently denied reports of attacking Indian fishermen over the past few days with a navy spokesman telling Daily Mirror online an in-depth probe was conducted over the claims and the results proved the reports were false. 

In the latest claims Indian media reports quoted Indian fisheries department officials as saying that 50 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were injured when they were attacked allegedly by Sri Lankan Naval personnel while fishing off Katchathivu Island last night. 

Speaking to Daily Mirror online, navy spokesman Captain Athula Senarath while denying the Indian fishermen’s claim that they were attacked last night, stated that an in-depth probe was carried out regarding the previous allegations using surveillance, radar data and other information.

He added  that  no evidence of Sri Lankan naval ships present in the reported areas were evident and that the Sri Lankan naval crews have been issued specific instructions and have standard operation procedures when dealing with Indian fishermen.

 "There is no room for such attacks or incidents" the navy spokesman said

He also said there was no evidence of Indian fishing vessels present in areas where they previously alleged that the Sri Lankan Naval ships assaulted them. (Daily Mirror online)