CPI activists protest killing of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy

Chennai, July 31 : Communist Party of India (CPI) activists staged a demonstration hereon Wednesday against the alleged killing of innocent Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

CPI National Secretary D. Raja led the protestors, who later gathered outside the Sri Lankan consulate in the city to register their protest.

Slogans were raised against the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. "The Rajapakse Government is resorting to military action against Indian fishermen. Hundreds of fishermen have already been killed and are being injured. It is atrocious. It is contrary to all the accepted international norms. Even it is contrary to the spirit of the agreement between India and Sri Lanka. Now, it is time that the fishing rights of Indian fishermen are restored," said Raja.

Raja also demanded that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh should take up the matter with Rajapaksa during his visit to the island nation for the SAARC Summit.

The Sri Lankan Navy allegedly have opened fire on hapless and unarmed Indian fishermen many times in the past after they accidentally crossed the maritime border separating the two countries.

According to the Katchathivu Agreement signed between India and Sri Lanka in 1974, Indian fishermen are allowed to rest, fish and dry their nets on the islands. The agreement was amended by a 1976 executive order, which took away those rights.

ANI