Fishermen return without catch after Sri Lankan naval personnel threat

RAMESWARAM (TN): About 3,000 fishermen returned without catch from Katchtheevu islet today after Sri Lankan personnel reportedly fired in the air and threatened them not to fish in the area.

The Lankan naval personnel came to the area in five fast boats and a ship, fired eight rounds in the air, threw bottles and stones at the fishing vessels and also cut fishing nets of 20 boats, S Emirite, President of Rameswaram Fishermen's organisation said.

No fishermen was injured, he said. The fishermen had set out to sea in 682 mechanised boats late last night, he said.