CHENNAI: Indian waters is not infested with pirates and it is an unpardonable crime to shoot innocent fishermen thinking they are pirates, Union Minister for Shipping G K Vasan said.Vasan’s comment stating that India’s coast is free of pirates comes after Italy said that the two fishermen – Ajesh Binki and Jalastein – were allegedly shot dead by Italian marines of tanker Enrica Lexie suspecting them to be pirates. He was talking to reporters during a Confederation of Indian Industry function, here on Monday.The killing of Indian fishermen resulted in a diplomatic row with Italian Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi warning of “considerable differences” with India after the crew was taken into custody by Kerala police.On whether the marines would be tried under Indian law, Vasan said punishment should be given to the guilty as India lost lives of two of fishermen that can’t be pardoned and cannot be taken for granted.Assuring that steps would be taken to prevent recurrence of such attacks, he said that the Mercantile Marine Department under the shipping ministry, along with defence, law and external affairs ministries are investigating the issue and the guilty will be punished.
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