Fisherman killed in Sri Lankan Navy firing

Rameswaram/Chennai: A Tamil Nadu fisherman was killed when Sri Lankan Navy fired at his boat at Palk Strait, fisheries department officials said on Sunday.

Thirty-five-year-old Thangapandi from Jegadapattinam in Pudukottai district had gone to the sea off Dhanushkodi coast for fishing with two other fishermen, Idumban and Babu.

As they neared the maritime border late Saturday, Sri Lankan Naval personnel fired at the boat, while asking them to go back, officials quoting the other two fishermen said.

Thangapandi died on the spot and others fled from the scene and returned to Jegadapattinam on Sunday with his body, officials told PTI.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi condemned the "indiscriminate firing" by the Sri Lankan Navy and took up the issue with the Centre, an official statement said in Chennai on Sunday.

The Chief Minister has "taken steps to draw Sri Lankan Government's attention to the issue through the Centre," the release said.

Expressing shock and grief over the incident, Karunanidhi ordered a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the bereaved family of Thangapandi.

Source: sify.com