''Will try to find viable solution to attacks on TN fishermen''

Chennai, Jan 30 (PTI) Foreign Secretary Nirupama Raotoday said the government would try to find out a "viablesolution" to attacks on Indian fishermen allegedly by SriLankan Navy.

"The Government asked me to go to Colombo to discuss withthe officials the problem of attacks on Indian fishermen. Twoprecious lives were lost recently. It is a matter of concernto India. I will talk to Lankan government to find a viablesolution to the issue," Rao told reporters at the Chennaiairport on her way to Colombo.

"We urgently needed a solution to the attacks (onfishermen) and ensure that such things will not recur so thatpeaceful atmosphere prevails between the two countries as faras fishing is concerned," she said.

Rao said she would discuss the matter with Sri LankanPresident Mahinda Rajapaksa and External Affairs Minister G LPeiris.

A fisherman was killed and two were injured while fishingoff Kodiakarai coast in Tamil Nadu on January 22. The man, whohad put out to sea with two others from Pushpavanam coastalhamlet, died after Sri Lankan Naval personnel allegedly tied arope around his neck and pushed him into the water.

On January 12, an Indian fishermen was killed in PalkStraits when the Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire at threefishermen who put out to sea from Jagadapattinnam nearPudukottai.