Minister says SLN should arrest fishermen if they have committed any offence

Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has made the appeal in Chennai, after meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at his residence.

The minister has said that SLN should arrest Tamil Nadu fishermen if they have crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line or committed any other offence, instead of opening fire at them.

"There is no point in shooting them," he told journalists.

There have been allegations that SLN has shot dead a number of Indian fishermen in recent weeks.

I am told that in the last 10 days two fishermen have been killed. We have good relations with Sri Lanka and are helping them Minister Pranab Mukherjee after talks with M Karunanidhi

"I am told that in the last 10 days two fishermen have been killed. We have good relations with Sri Lanka and are helping them," Minister Mukerjee is quoted by the Doordarshan.

It said one person was killed on 12 January when Sri Lankan Navy allegedly opened fire at three fishermen in Palk Straits, who put out to sea from Jagadapattinnam near Pudukottai.

The frequent attacks have prompted the DMK, a coalition partner of the central government and other political parties to demand an end to such attacks.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and new Navy Commander Rear Admiral DWA Dissanayake have categorically denied the accusations.

Assuming duties as the new navy commander, Admiral Dissanayake urged India to provide evidence, if they have any, of Sri Lanka navy personnel shooting Indian fishermen dead.