The Sri Lankan Navy on Saturday handed over the mortal remains of a fisherman who had died resisting arrest near the disputed Katchatheevu island, along with two other fishermen from Rameswaram, to the Indian authorities.
K Malaichamy, R Muthu Muniyandu, M Mookaiah, and V Ramachandran were fishing near Neduntheevu on Thursday when their boat was chased by a Sri Lankan Navy patrol vessel. During the ensuing chaos, their boat overturned, and three fishermen were rescued and taken to Punkuduthivu Hospital in Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka. However, Malaichamy died and Ramachandran remains missing, with the other two sustaining minor injuries. India expressed strong disapproval of the incident and summoned the Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi to register a “strong protest.”
Following two days of negotiations, the Sri Lankan Navy transferred Muthu Muniyandu and Mookaiah, along with Malaichamy’s remains, to the Indian Navy near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the early hours of around 1 am today.
This event occurred as fishermen from Rameswaram called for a work boycott until the Sri Lankan Navy returned Malaichamy’s body and released the two other fishermen in their custody.
The Indian embassy in Sri Lanka, in a post on X, stated, “@CGJaffna visited Kayts police station and met 02 Indian fishermen, Muthumuniyandu and Mookaiah, who were among the 04 fishermen whose boat capsized upon collision with an SL Naval boat.”
The Indian Consul General in Jaffna, Sai Murali, checked on their condition and promised all possible assistance.
The Indian Embassy, in a post on X, stated, ” C G @saimurali_IFS ascertained their well-being and assured them of all possible support. Consulate officials facilitated phone calls to their families in India to ensure their welfare.”
CG @saimurali_IFS ascertained their well-being and assured them of all possible support. Consulate officials facilitated phone calls to their families in India to ensure their welfare. (2/2)@IndiainSL @ahcikandy @CgiHoc @MEAIndia @meaMADAD pic.twitter.com/UT3jUHRH9o
— India in Jaffna (@CGJaffna) August 1, 2024
On Friday, the Indian High Commission in Colombo successfully facilitated the repatriation of 21 Indian fishermen. They are currently en route to Chennai from Colombo, as stated by the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka.
“Returning home! 21 Indian fishermen have been successfully repatriated and are on their way to Chennai from Colombo,” the Official handle of the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka posted on X.
Returning home! 21 Indian fishermen have been successfully repatriated and are on their way to Chennai from Colombo. https://t.co/QyPz06KkJR pic.twitter.com/0ipSIg6OFU
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) August 2, 2024
Also Read: India Summons Sri Lankan Envoy, Registers Protest Over Death of an Indian Fisherman
