Sri Lanka, Feb. 5 -- The High Commission of India in Colombo has categorically denied reports that its naval or coast guard personnel assaulted a group of Sri Lankan fishermen on 29 January. In a formal statement, the Commission clarified that upon verification, no such incident involving Indian forces took place. The denial follows claims by twelve fishermen from Wennappuwa that they were allegedly detained and physically assaulted by Indian Coast Guard officers while returning to the island.

The High Commission reaffirmed India's commitment to a humanitarian approach regarding the livelihoods of fishermen, stressing that the use of force is unacceptable under any circumstances.

The statement added that Indian authorities remain in clo...