Lankan firing on Indian fishermen unintentional: Navy

The Indian Navy on Thursday came to the defence of its Sri Lankan counterpart over the allegations of firing at Indian fishermen in the Palk Straits, saying that such incidents were not intentional and fishermen often got caught in crossfire between the Island's Navy and the LTTE.

"In fact, the Indian fishermen crossover the maritime boundary and fall prey to the crossfire between the Lankan navy and LTTE," Commodore PE Van Halteren, Naval Officer In-charge (Tamil Nadu), told reporters here on Thursday.

"As a matter of policy, they do not open fire on Indian fishermen but when the fishermen venture too close to their maritime boundary, especially in the dark, it is difficult for them to distinguish fishermen from the LTTE," he said.

Halteren said the Lankan Navy never crossed over to the Indian territory to attack the fishermen, as claimed by the fishermen on many occasions.

"We are in touch with them on such issues and it would be better if our fishermen do not cross the international maritime boundary and enter their territory," he said.

The Commodore's views were in contrast to the allegations of political parties in the state which accuse the Sri Lankan Navy of indiscriminately firing at the Indian fishermen, charging them with crossing into their waters.

The Tamil Nadu government has already warned the fishermen that their licenses would be cancelled if they enter Sri Lankan waters more than thrice.

Eight Naval ships, the amphibious vessel INS Jalashwa, five missile firing units of the Khukri class among others would participate in the display of Naval vessels off Chennai on December 16. The display is being organised as part of the Navy week celebrations, he said, adding, Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala would preside.