Karunanidhi condemns Sri Lanka Navy for killing Tamil Nadu fisherman

[TamilNet, Monday, 11 February 2008, 14:42 GMT]
Sri Lanka Navy personnel shot and killed a fisherman from Tamil Nadu by firing on his boat on the Palk Strait on Sunday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was the first to condemn the "indiscriminate firing" by the SLN. The Chief Minister has "taken steps to draw Sri Lankan Government's attention to the issue through the Centre," according to an official press release from Chennai.

Thangapandi, 35, from Jegadapattinam in Pudukottai district had gone to the sea off Dhanushkodi coast for fishing. He was accompanied by two other fishermen, Idumban and Babu. They were nearing the maritime border when SLN personnel opened fire indiscriminately.

Thangapandi died on the spot, while his friends managed to flee the scene with his body.

Expressing shock and grief over the incident, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also ordered a compensation of Rs 100,000 to the bereaved family.