The Sri Lankan navy allegedly attacked and chased away a group of Rameswaram fishermen who were fishing in the territorial waters of the island nation on Monday night, Indian media said.

 

Around 400 fishing boats sailed from Rameswaram on Monday morning. The Sri Lankan navy intercepted around 50 fishing boats in the Palk Strait and allegedly damaged their nets. The fishermen said the Sri Lankan navy used water scooters to intercept the boats.

 

Navy personnel allegedly beat up around 15 of fishermen. However, the fishermen did not file a complaint.

 

All the boats returned to Rameswaram by Tuesday morning. "There was no structural damage to the boats. However, the fishing gear and boards were damaged, which are worth Rs 1 lakh", said A Arputharaja, a boat owner.

 

"Many of our boats returned without fishing and we fear the Lankan navy will strengthen surveillance in the coming days," said district secretary of the Tamil Nadu Mechanised Fishermen Association B Jesuraja.

(Times of India)