The die was cast on Saturday when the External Affairs Ministry sent a message to the Italian consulate asking the two Italian Marines, later charged with firing on Indian fishermen, to surrender. But the Italians made one last attempt, at saving themselves, in 90 minutes of discussion at South Block on Sunday, government sources said, describing the two-day drama that ended in Kochi. “They tried to do their best, but it was strange that a European country was initially not willing to let its people obey the law of the land. India maintained a tough stand ever since the conversation between External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and his Italian counterpart on Saturday. A little later, the Ministry sent a message to the Italian mission telling them that the men will have to surrender,” the sources said.
A multi-ministry delegation from Rome held discussions with Indian diplomats, offering a joint investigation and trial in Italian courts, provided the men wanted by the Kerala police were allowed to return home. With India sticking to its stand that no diplomat was involved and the shooting was a criminal act, the Italian delegation also offered a trial at an ‘international court.' This was also not acceptable to the Indian diplomats.
i think they surrendered with the hopes that sonia (gandhi) will intervene finally
Very true Praveen, the italians just behaved like any other person in India where we break many a rules (example - traffic,taxes, custom duties, abuse of power, etc) just because we are not afraid of being punished. Action should be taken and we should show that we are also tough.
@ Nishant Kashyap : i wish to remind you nishant that a common man from
an economically weaker section also has the rights to live in this
country and I am happy for the way the government is responding for his
rights even though it is sad that they are not doing the same when it
comes to sri lankan navy
its saddenning to hear people say all these comments and also talk of
regionalism when our voices should be raised together.our fishermen were
attacked without any warning whatsoever.
would the italians have done this in chinese or american waters.it is
extremely essential to be tough on such issues so that they dont happen
ever again.
The UPA government has stood with the law and the citizen. I am proud to be an Indian.
All the admiration should go to Indian COAST-GUARD, for bringing back
the vessel and the crew to Indian shores
If Srilankan Navy personnel are brought to India, then police can act
against them as well, but we have never been able to bring them to
Indian Land, hope that happens some day
@Paul,
A lot of Tamilian people are saying India govt: is not taking action for killings by Sri Lankans.
The difference between that and this is that this is done by Kerala Police. The FIR is filed in Kerala and arrest proceedings were made by Kerala.
If Tamil People want action for fishermen killing, then your police needs to do something. Why is Amma and Vaikko not interested???
While finally the Indian government has worked up the spine to stand up
for the lives of its poorest citizens, the question still remains. Why
has no such strong reaction been evoked over the killing of so many
tamilian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy?
The shooting on fishermen in Kerala waters deserves all condemnation. No amount of explanation on the part of Itally is justified in the act of utter non-sense. In a quite departure from its usual shilly-shallying and the low-key protests on issues of high sensitivity with foreign dignitaries, India stood steadfast in booking the offenders.
Thousands of tamil fisherman are being killed by Srilanka almost on a daily basis. Why take action only against 2 kerala fisherman? What politics is this? Does Sonia want to prove that she is "Indian" or is it because Karela is being ruled by Congress?
My Heartfelt Condolence to both the families of departed.
Congrats to the External Affairs Ministry &
Killing is Criminal in all over the world. Punish them without wasting time & money on protecting them for long....
Act Now & Serve Our Own People
Nishant, I dont think the issue is North/South here.
I am very happy that MEA took touch decision. Kudos to them.
It shows that Indian are not vulnerable. We must ask these Italians what would they do if the same will happen to an Italian.
Gireesh
Dear Nishant Kashyap
Please don't bring regional politics when whole country is
fighting together to bring justice to fishermen who lost their precious
lives because of the Italian
Marines.
Hello Nishant Kashyap; I think if u differentiate south indians from north india then you have no right to talk about nationalism.
We(Indians), should all be proud of the Indian Government's decision for being strong against Western Countries. Hope to have a firm decision on this issue.
there is nothing to appreciate Indian government!because, it is the duty of the government a nation to take such action again such defaulters...there is nothing new.....i didn't understand why people are appreciating such action.......but why we are unable to prevent such accidents with smart work....????
Nishant,
An attempt by an Italian vessel to save their ship from attack is only justified if they warn the approaching vessel of consequences if they do come any closer. Were any weapons found in the fishing vessel? Cant the guards differentiate between a fishing vessel and a pirate ship?
Where did south Indians come into picture? I guess you are well experienced in being in a fishing boat with the so called "South Indians". I do not deny that, this could have been an accident, but an accident or intentional, two precious lives were lost and the livelihoods of those 2 families put to question forever. Would you suggest the same course of action "Leave them to go home" if any of your kin were the ones attacked?
Why cant people just appreciate a good gesture by the Indian Government when it negotiated with the foreign authorities to bring the culprits to justice?
Anand.
i think this problem will not last long....there is no security for fishermen in south India..what government is doing?
Dear Mr. Nishant Kashyap,
Do you think Indians and South Indians are different nationalities?
Do you think North Indians only are Indians?
@Nishant Kashyap do you really exist as a person called "Nishant Kashyap
- seemingly an indian name.. "
This is the first time in 8 years UPA government has stood firmly in protecting the honour of the country and giving justice to its citizens against foreign countries. Why it does not take tough stand against China and Norway where our citizens are being tortured mentally and physically?
For once the government has shown some backbone especially to a western power. Let us see how long this lasts. Or is it all a stunt with elections coming due soon?
Even though the murder was not a pre fabricated one, the tough stand taken by India will send a strong message across the world, that we view such incidents very seriously. We would have become a laughing stock in the international deplomatic circle had we let the marines go.
It is heartening to know that India can take s tough stand on any issue. We need to see
more of this in international fora. There is a lesson to be learnt from the italian reaction,
their diplomats lost no time in spinning aweb of lies and falsehood to protect their men, with
no apology for killing innocent men.
Well done Kerala Police and the Indian Government. Be fair but make sure our laws
are respected by all.
The Indian Government (at least the MEA) makes me proud of being Indian.
Now and again the diplomatic ability of the foreign service officers to
make clear and calculated decisions is seen. Keep it up.
Something to cheer about being an Indian....Well done! and I do hope
that justice will be delivered soon.
Excellent work Government of India...Please stand up for your citizen.
Strictly speaking and as the incidence took place in Indian nautical miles; they should be punished as per the Indian criminal law. At the same time the victims' family should be given compensation as applicable.
This was not a brutal murder but an attempt by Italian vessel guards to save their ship from attack. The government is making issue of nothing and simply creating bigger issues for vote bank. The Italians should be let off to go home and our politicians should concentrate more on Anti-national elements .
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