Rao: 'Will try to find viable solution to attacks on TN fishermen'

Chennai, Jan 30 (PTI) Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama
Rao on Sunday said the Indian government would try to find out
a "viable solution" to attacks on Indian fishermen allegedly
by Sri Lankan Navy.
"The Government asked me to go to Colombo to discuss with
the officials the problem of attacks on Indian fishermen. Two
precious lives were lost recently. It is a matter of concern
to India. I will talk to Lankan government to find a viable
solution to the issue," Rao told reporters at the Chennai
airport on her way to Colombo.
"We urgently needed a solution to the attacks (on
fishermen) and ensure that such things will not recur so that
peaceful atmosphere prevails between the two countries as far
as fishing is concerned," she said.
Rao said she would discuss the matter with Sri Lankan
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and External Affairs Minister G L
Peiris.
A fisherman was killed and two were injured while fishing
off Kodiakarai coast in Tamil Nadu on January 22. The man, who
had put out to sea with two others from Pushpavanam coastal
hamlet, died after Sri Lankan Naval personnel allegedly tied a
rope around his neck and pushed him into the water.
On January 12, an Indian fishermen was killed in Palk
Straits when the Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire at three
fishermen who put out to sea from Jagadapattinnam near
Pudukottai.