Sri Lankan Navy allegedly fired at Tamil Nadu fishermen, who ventured in the sea between Dhansushkodi and Katchativu in Palk Straits yesterday (Thursday).
Two boats carrying fishermen were damaged, according to early reports from Rameswaram.
Rameswaram Fishermen Association President Bilareans said the Lankan Navy fired 10 rounds, some in the air. Two mechanized boats suffered extensive damage in the firing, but the fishermen escaped unhurt, he added.
State Fisheries department officials said they were not sure whether the fishermen had crossed into the Lankan waters.
The frightened fishermen raised their hands and pleaded with the Sri Lankan Naval personnel not to fire. Despite this, the Navy fired at the fishing boats. Luckily, no fishermen were injured. Later, the Navymen boarded some of the fishing vessels and damaged costly fishing nets, seized the catch, attacked fishermen and damaged the boats.
Some boats suffered extensive damage in the attack. The naval personnel also allegedly warned the Indian fishermen of dire consequences if they ventured into Lankan territorial waters, affected fishermen said.
The fresh attack on the fishermen had evoked a tense situation in the coastal hamlets in this Island Town where fishing was the major occupation.
Many fishermen associations have appealed the Central and State Governments to intervene and ensure such attacks did not recur.
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