Four fishermen shot dead by Lankan Navy

Four fishermen from Kanyakumari district were killed allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy when it opened fire on a boat carrying about 12 men, about 30 nautical miles from the Indian coast this morning. According to reports, the 65-feet-long boat left Chinnathurai fishing hamlet in Kanyakumari district on March 23, carrying the 12 men on board. But, about 30 nautical miles from the Indian coast, the Sri Lankan naval patrol intercepted the craft and opened fire killing two men instantaneously.

To escape the firing, two other fishermen jumped into the sea and were feared drowned. Two more sustained bullet injuries and were brought ashore by a survivor. “We strongly condemn the incident. We hope the Centre will now stop advocating patience to us,” Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said on Thursday.