Fisheries Dept orders inquiry into sale of diesel to LTTE

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Nov 9 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department today ordered an inquiry into the alleged sale of diesel to the Sri Lankan militant group LTTE by the local fishermen at mid sea off Rameswaram.

Official sources here said that some fishermen, who had ventured into the sea in about 500 boats yesterday had met the LTTE men, who came in four boats, at the mid sea and sold over 20 litres of diesel at a premium price, stated to be three times more than its price in India.

Some fishermen, brought it to the notice of the Fisheries Department.

Severe action would be initiated against those who were found guilty and the license for their boats would be cancelled, the sources added.

Meanwhile, local fishermen alleged that a group of armed men clad in Sri Lankan Naval officials' uniform had robbed some fishermen at mid-sea near Katchtheevu, early today. They also warned that their boats would be set ablaze and they would face dire consequences if they cross the international maritime border, the local fishermen alleged.

UNI