(MY FIRST IN THE NEW YEAR. FEELS SORRY THAT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS UNFORTUNATE SITUATION WHICH HAS TAKEN AWAY THE LIVES OF TWO INNOCENT INDIAN BROTHERS)
India was shocked to wake up and learn that two Indian national fishermen was shot top death by gunmen from a foreign ship. A news that shocked the entire nation. What followed was a meticulous investigation by Indian Security Agencies, carefully perusing through the data to identify and pinpoint the guilty from thousands of ships that pass through possibly the busiest sea line in the world. After careful and meticulous perusal, finally Indians were able to pinpoint the ship, an Italian Oil Tanker, "Enrica Lexie". What has followed has been a carefully calibrated diplomatic and strategic move on the part of India to bring the guilty to justice.
THE INDIAN VERSION
India says that the shooting took place in Indian waters and hence India has the right to take up the case and conduct trial as per Indian laws. India says that the shooting was unwarranted and unprovoked and should and could have been avoided. The Italians have no business carrying arms in Indian waters without India permission.
THE ITALIAN VERSION
The Italians say that the shooting took place in International waters. Hence only Italy has the right to try the guilty as per the "floating territory theory". Italy further tried to stress the fact that the personal responded what they apprehended was a pirate attack and followed "standard operating procedure" (SOP). Italy further feels Indian response was unwarranted and knee jerk reaction.
THE TRUTH AND WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE
I am very saddened to write and analyse about this unfortunate situation. No words and any form of compensation will ever bring the dead back to their loved ones. But what can be done to avoid such a situation?
It is and remains a fact that the threat of Pirates (particularly Somali origin) has become a real threat with these Pirates now extending their reach to the Lakshadweep Islands. The crew of "Enrica Lexie" did not help their case by not reporting any pirate attack to the nearby country, in this case India until they were contacted by Indian Security Agencies.
Such unfortunate situations needs to be avoided. What needs to be done is that "Standard Rules of Engagements" need to be evolved which every ships operating international waters need to follow. If the same is implemented, then such unfortunate situations can be avoided.
I would like to close by congratulating the Indian security agencies for their timely actions and their matured modus-operandi of investigation. Let the guilty be brought to justice. One small request to all those politicians who are trying to make the best of the lime light. You are dealing with a difficult International situation which requires delicate handling. Please try not to make any comments and let the security agencies and the government deal with the situation. Your trigger happy statements will be reported in a bad light in the international community and will in may ways hurt the interest of India. You owe that much to the dead brothers whose death should not go in vain. May the truth prevail.
VANTE MATHRAM
Comments