Over 100 fishermen missing off TN coast

Nagapattinam (TN), Feb 15 (PTI) As many 106 fishermenbelonging to three fishing hamlets here have allegedly beenabducted by Sri Lankan fishermen.

Representatives of fishrmen''s associations said themissing fishermen had ventured into sea in 18 fishing boats onFebruary 12.

While fishing off Kodiakarai coast on February 15, agroup of Sri Lankan fishermen reportedly abducted them andtook them to Vadamarachi in Jaffna district in that country,they claimed.

All the fishermen were reportedly handed over to theLankan authorities, they said.

Official sources said tension prevailed at Akkaraipettai,Keechakuppam (Nagapattinam District) and Seruthur (KaraikalDistrict) hamlets soon after the news reached the villagers.

Fishermen representatives, who convened an emergencymeeting here, said they would meet Chief Minister MKarunanidhi tomorrow seeking steps to secure the release ofthe fishermen.

Thousands of fishermen of Nagapattinam did not ventureinto the sea tonight in protest against the incident.