Earlier, Tamil Nadu CM Edapadi K Palanisamy had even written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in detail describing about the incident.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's statement on coast guard
shooting condemned by fishermen
Nirmala Sitharaman's comment denying the alleged attack on fishermen by the coast guard in Rameswaram has caused a furore among the community.
Earlier this week, an incident was reported from Rameswaram where a fisherman alleged that the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had open fired at them in the sea, resulting in injury of two.
An FIR against the ICG has been filed by the marine police of the Coastal Security Group. Fishermen K Pichai Arokiyadass and S Johnson, had produced a 0.22 cm diameter aluminium bullet as a proof of the alleged firing.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu CM Edapadi K Palanisamy had even written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in detail describing about the incident.
In his letter he said, "I request you to immediately intervene in this matter and advice the Ministry of defense to avoid such incidents in future."
"If the coast guard did not fire it then where did the bullet come from? We venture into the sea hoping that the coast guards will protect us. Instead, if they attack us where would be go", questioned Sesu Raj, a fisherman.
Yesterday, more than 3000 fishermen observed a day's strike in Rameshwaram condemning the incident and this statement by the defense minister has led to disappointment.
Rameshwaram fishermen have been facing regular threats from the Sri Lankan Navy and have been raising the issue of how their livelihood has taken a set back these days.
At present, a case has been registered under Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 307 (attempt to murder) of IPC and Section 27(1) of the Arms Act, 1959 against the coast guard following the complaint registered by the fishermen.
News Source IndiaToday (News India)
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