'Will attack if Indian fishermen continue using banned nets'

RAMESWARAM: Sri Lankan fishermen have reportedly warned their Indian counterparts that they would be attacked if they continued using banned fishing nets and damaged nets anchored in the Lankan sea.

Justin, a leader of Tamilnadu Fishermen's Association, was speaking to PTI after participating in a meeting of fishermen of two countries at Talaimannar.

He said the fishermen there had decided to take matters into their own hands as they were not happy with the action taken by the Sri Lankan naval men as well as their government in dealing with Indian fishermen entering their territory and destroying their marine wealth.

The Sri Lankan fishermen had also sent a memorandum to the Indian government, seeking Rs one crore as compensation for damage to their fishing nets, he said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan naval personnel chased away Indian fishermen from near Katchatheevu islet past midnight.