By IANS,
Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy Wednesday said that after the shooting down of two fishermen by an Italian ship’s security officials, the fishermen community is in a state of fear and shock.
“We decided to have an urgent meeting of the officials of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Kerala Police and the fisheries department. This will take place very soon and we will decide on what needs to be done on the security aspect of these fishermen,” Chandy told reporters here Wednesday after the weekly cabinet meeting.
Two fishermen, Ajesh Binki, 25, and Gelastine, 45, were allegedly mistaken as pirates and shot dead by the crew of Italian cargo vessel Enrica Lexie Feb 15, about 14 nautical miles off Alappuzha.
The two Italian security officials were sent into custody by a court in Kollam Monday.
Chandy said his government has done everything within the ambit of the Indian law.
“We are very clear that the law-breakers should be brought before law, because the Indian fishermen killed were innocent. The central government not only has complimented us for what we have done but also fully supported us in our efforts to bring the accused before the law,” said Chandy.
“Italy’s argument does not hold good and we will take this case legally and also seek adequate compensation for the victims,” added Chandy.