New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) Sri Lankan Government has informed New Delhi that LTTE insurgents and not the Sri Lankan navy had fired on Tamil Nadu fishermen in the territorial waters of India, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Defence Minister A K Antony told agitated members that the matter was discussed with the Sri Lankan Government and they have also taken it very seriously. The Sri Lankan Defence Minister came to the Indian High Commission to defuse the matter. He said according to their information it was not the Sri Lankan navy which had fired on the Tamil fishermen but it was the handiwork of the LTTE insurgents.

The Indian Government will take all measures within its powers to protect the life and interests of Tamil Nadu fishermen, Mr Antony said.

The Defence Minister gave the assurance while intervening in a special mention raised by C Kuppuswamy (DMK) that a large number of Tamil Nadu fishermen were being killed by the Sri Lankan navy in indiscriminate firing in Indian waters.

Mr Antony said India's relations with the Sri Lankan Government are very cordial and harmonious and there is no reason that the Sri Lankan navy will fire at the Indian fishermen.

UNI