US regrets, no warning before US Navy firing

Death of Indian fireman in a US Navy ship firing in Dubai has moved in a row between two nations, US and India. However, US government on Tuesday felt sorrow and being disappointed for the loss of life of fisherman.

According to reports, a full investigation has been assured to India, which termed the killing as “unfortunate”. While as per Indian govt., the UAE government has filed a case and is “proceeding according to the laws of that country.”

“I learned from Ambassador that government of UAE has filed a case in this incident and they are proceeding according to the laws of that country,” External Affairs Minister SM Krishna told reporters.

“Unfortunate” incident happened when Indian fishermen boat which was returning from trawling in waters off Jebel Ali, fired shot by a US Navy vessel near the port in Dubai.

Reports said, an Indian fisherman identified as Sekar of Periyapattinam in Ramanathapuram district was killed and three others were wounded today when a security team onboard a US Navy ship fired at their small boat off the Dubai coast. While four Indians and two Emirate nationals had on board when the incident took place.

As per the US embassy, the firing took place after “the vessel disregarded non-lethal warnings and rapidly approached the US ship”, but the survivors said no warnings were given to them before they came under fire.

One Fisherman Muthu Muniraj, who was shot in the legs, told reporters, “We had no warning at all from the ship, we were speeding up to try and go around them and then suddenly we got fired at.”

“It was very sudden. My friend was killed, he’s gone. I don’t understand what happened, “he added.

Moreover, on this unfortunate and tragic incident, both govt. officials have launched investigations. The Indian officials have continuously in touch with MK Lokesh Indian Ambassador in Dubai, who has raised matter with the UAE and hoped that “necessary action” will be initiated.

Assuring all necessary assistance and medical services to the injured three fishermen, the MEA said, “We will stay in regular touch with the US and UAE authorities to ascertain full facts and take appropriate further action in the matter”.

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