By IANS
Chennai/Madurai : A diplomatic row between India and Sri Lanka is worsening following Friday’s “accidental death” of Canicius Fernando, a Sinhalese activist with a fishermen’s group. Colombo is planning to lodge a protest officially.
Fernando, 44, was shot dead by prison guard D. Devraj, when he was attempting to enter the Madurai Central Prison from a gate not meant for visitors.
The guard was suspended Sunday and a judicial enquiry was launched into Fernando’s death.
The body of the deceased was handed over to his brother and airlifted to Colombo Monday.
Taking objection, Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner P.M. Amza in Chennai said in a statement: “Fernando, a representative of the All Ceylon Fisher Peoples’ Trade Union for Migrant Fishermen in Sri Lanka, was in Chennai on behalf of the owner of a Sri Lanka fishing vessel which was apprehended by the Indian authorities on June 13, 2007.
“He was issued a letter by this Mission as per the practice to enable him to carry out logistical arrangements on behalf of the owner pertaining to the fishing vessel and the four fishermen. [But,] he had been shot by an outer security guard at the Madurai Central Prison on Oct 5 and later pronounced dead.”
“Our concern regarding his tragic fate has also been brought to the attention of the government of the state of Tamil Nadu through diplomatic channels,” the statement said.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source in the deputy high commission angrily asked: “Fernando carried valid papers and had come to India on a proper visa to meet his mates. Plus, he had our office’s authorisation. He did not threaten anybody and could not have been construed as (doing so). And what danger could he have posed in a prison that had several armed guards?”
Jail authorities, however, defend the action.
“Fernando had entered an area not meant for visitors. The guard tried to stop him but he kept advancing. The guard has been placed under suspension. Now it is up to the RDO (revenue divisional officer) who will conduct an enquiry,” said R. Shekhar, additional director general of police (prisons).
The four crewmembers that Fernando had come to meet have been sentenced to four months’ simple imprisonment for violating several Maritime Zone Act rules and the Passport Act.
Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen inadvertently crossing the International Maritime Boundary between the two countries are routinely arrested and their crafts are seized.