N.K. Premachandran, MP, has called for a high-level probe into the incident in which personnel from the Coast Guard opened fire at a fishing vessel off the Vizhinjam coast on Monday evening injuring two fishermen on board.
In a statement here on Tuesday, Mr. Premachandran said that though there were several options before the Coast Guard to intercept the fishing vessel without causing any casualties, they officers appear to have resorted to firing in haste.
He pointed out that one of the main tasks of the Coast Guard was to protect the fishermen of the country at sea. But Monday’s incident shows that the Coast Guard was turning into a threat for the fishermen.
A situation that warranted opening of fire did not prevail at the time of the incident, he said.
He said that there should also be a probe into the catch of boats being impounded by the Coast Guard auctioned away for paltry amounts from the Vizhinjam harbour.
‘A situation that warranted opening of fire did not prevail.’
