Lankan Navy attacks Indian fishermen in mid-sea

Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu, Oct 5 (UNI) In yet another act of highhandedness, the Sri Lankan navy allegedly attacked several Indian fishermen and threatened them of dire consequences if they crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) near Katchatheevu Island today.

Official sources quoting fishermen here tonight said more than 500 mechanised fishing boats had ventured into sea for fishing from the Island town of Rameswaram yesterday. While, a group of fishermen were fishing near Katchatheevu Island today, a flotilla of Sri Lankan Naval interceptor vessels surrounded the fishing trawlers.Sri Lankan Navy allegedly attacked the fishermen and threatened them to vacate that area immediately. They also warned the fishermen of dire consequences, if they crossed the IMBL and trespassed into Sri Lankan territorial waters.

Soon after the attack, several fishing boats headed for Rameswaram coast. They narrated their tale of woe to the fishing department officials, the source added.

It may be recalled that the Sri Lankan navy had allegedly shot dead a fisherman hailing from Madurai district on September 28, last. Within a week after that deadly attack, yet another high-handedness of the Sri Lankan navy caused resentment among the fishing folk here.

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