Indian High Commission in Colombo on Friday refuted media reports of an alleged assault on a group of Sri Lankan fishermen by the Indian Navy.
In a statement issued to media, the High Commission stressed that the reports of the Indian Navy assault on fishermen were ‘blatantly false.’
“We deny any such incident having taken place. The Indian Navy is a highly disciplined and professional force which discharges its responsibilities in an impeccable manner,” the statement read.
The High Commission further noted that India is firmly committed to addressing all fishermen-related issues between India and Sri Lanka in a humanitarian manner through established bilateral mechanisms and understandings.
A group of 13 local fishermen who reportedly returned after a multi-day fishing trip on Thursday (June 17) claimed that they were physically attacked by the Indian Navy on international waters, demanding that they expose narcotics in their possession.
The two vessels carrying the fishermen in question reached the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour on Thursday evening.