Indian fishermen killed only in crossfire : Commodore

Chennai, Dec 7 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Naval Officer-Incharge Commodore P E Van Halteren, VSM, today said the fishermen who lost their lives in the mid-sea recently have been killed in crossfire between the Sri Lankan Navy and the LTTE.

Talking to newspersons here, Commodore P E Van Halteren said Indian fishermen frequently ventured out of the Indian boundary for fishing where they were caught in the crossfire.

The naval officer also ruled out any possibility of the Lankan Navy intruding into Indian waters and deliberately killing the fishermen.

''Sri Lankan Navy officals told me they are not targeting Indian fishermen,'' he said adding ''Indian fishermen are going to a wrong area at the wrong time.'' UNI