Sri Lankan Navy opens fire at fishermen, protest erupts in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: A fisherman was killed and several others were injured when the Sri Lankan Navy opened fire at them while they were fishing in a mechanised boat at the Palk Strait.

The 22-year-old deceased identified as Chitso was a resident of Thangachimadam district of Tamil Nadu. He was shot in the neck and died on the spot, while other fishermen suffered injuries and successfully escaped to return to the shore, Fisheries Department Assistant Director Kulanchinathan said.

The Tamil Nadu government also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased and a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for those injured in the firing.

The agitated workers of the Thamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi party organised a protest Thangachimadam near Rameswaram after the incident. People shouted slogans against the Sri Lankan government and navy.

A case has been registered at the jetty police station and the further investigation regarding the case has been launched.