Lankan Navy opens fire in air, chase Tamil Nadu fishermen away

RAMESWARAM (TN): Sri Lankan Naval personnel today allegedly fired in the air and damaged more than 20 fishing nets to chase away Indian fishermen fishing near Katchatheevu and other areas, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department officials and local fishermen's association said.

Sri Lankan naval personnel came in more than six boats and also allegedly hurled bottles at the fishermen's boats, Rameswaram Fishermen Organisation president S.Emerit said.

The fishermen were fishing near Katchatheevu, Talaimannar and Nenduntheevu, Emerit said.

Officials said the fishermen could have gone beyond Katchatheevu islet and that could be the reason for the attack by the Lankan Navy.

As many as 3000 fishermen had put to sea in 626 fishing boats.

On December 4, fishermen, who ventured for fishing from this coastal town, had to return empty handed as they were sent back allegedly by Lankan Naval personnel who blocked their passage in the Palk Strait and reportedly damaged nets of 15 boats.