Sixteen fishermen have been arrested by Sri Lankan naval personnel for allegedly fishing in the island nation's territorial waters off Neduntheevu.

Their four mechanised boats were also seized around midnight and all of them were taken to Kankesanthurai early this morning, Assistant director of fisheries here Sekar said.

He said the naval personnel also chased away fishermen who were fishing between Katchatheevu islet and Arichalmunai.

Fishermen's Association president T Sesuraja alleged that the Lankan naval personnel chased the fishermen even past Arichalmunai into Indian territorial waters.

"The fishermen could see the Dhanushkodi coast, which meant they were very much in Indian territorial waters.The Sri Lankan navalmen chased them in Indian waters," he said.

Sesuraja said the Sri Lankan navalmen also snapped the fishing nets of 50 boats. (Outlook)