50 fishermen injured as SL naval personnel attack them

(TN) Mar 27: Fifty

from this coastal town were injured when Sri Lankan Navy personnel allegedly attacked them with stones and bottles after firing in the air early this morning off Katchathivu islet.

The Lankan naval personnel also damaged 30 boats and cut fishing nets, police said. One boat sank as it rammed into another in the rush to escape from the spot.

However, the five fishermen on board were rescued by others.

Police said 19 fishermen were arrested by the Lankan naval personnel and later taken to Mannar along with their boats.

All the injured had been admitted to private hospitals here. Another fisherman who suffered leg injuries was later shifted to Ramanathapuram Government hospital.

The injured were part of a group of 2,000 fishermen who had put out to sea last night in 400 boats.

PTI