The latest incident in which the Lankan Navy allegedly attacked some fishermen from Rameswaram fishing near Katchatheevu "has deeply saddened us", DMK leader Karunanidhi said in a statement.

Stating that the incident had occurred the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was meeting Tamils in the island nation, he said more than 30 Sri Lankan Navy personnel came in five boats, attacked the fishermen and damaged fishing equipment.

"Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President try to solve the issue through talks, such attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy will cause strains on the relations between the two countries," he said. "India should urge the Sri Lankan President to advice the Navy personnel in order to reach a solution in this issue," he said.

Sri Lankan Navy personnel allegedly attacked five fishermen from Rameswaram when they were fishing near Katchatheevu on Saturday, official sources in Tamil Nadu said.

However, the SL Navy later refuted the allegations.
(With inputs from PTI and The Hindu)