Indian fisherman shot dead by Lankan Navy at mid sea

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Jun 3 (UNI) An Indian fisherman was allegedly shot dead by the Sri Lankan Navy at mid-sea near Katchatheevu Island, late last night.

Official sources said here today a group of four fishermen hailing from Thangatchimadam, a coastal hamlet, had ventured into the sea in a mechanised fishing boat, While they were fishing near Katchatheevu Island, a Sri Lankan Naval vessel opened indiscriminate fire on the boat killing M Sandhyagu (21) while others escaped.

A pall of gloom descended over the island town of Rameswaram over the death of the innocent fisherman whose body was brought to the shore this morning.

Tension prevailed among fishing folk in Rameswaram town over the incident. Police pickets have been posted in the sensitive pockets to defuse the situation.

District Collector R Kirlosh Kumar handed over a compensation of Rs one lakh to the fisherman's family.

Meanwhile, mechanised fishing boat fishermen have decided to observe a day's strike tomorrow to protest the high handedness of the Lankan Navy. About 1,500 mechanised fishing boats would be off the sea tomorrow.

UNI GSM GM SP ND2118