15 fishermen injured in attack by Sri Lankan fishermen

Around 15 Indian fishermen were were injured when they were attacked by Sri Lankan naval personnel in mid sea near the International Maritime Border Line early this morning, Tamil Nadu coastal area fishermen's association said today.

NJ Bose, association president said around 600 mechanised fishing boats put out to sea off this island. Sri Lankan naval personnel attacked them near IMBL, injuring 15 fishermen, he said, adding all of them returned without any catch.

"Each boat owner lost between Rs5,000 to Rs10,000 and the entire trip was a waste," he said.

Bose said there was no point in the government giving them subsidised diesel when fishermen were not able to earn their living peacefully. "Though we contribute crores of rupees in foreign exchange, the government has ignored our profession and failed to protect us," he said.

Fisheries department officials said some fishermen had violated rules by using banned nets. Doing so would impact Lankan fishermen and lead to tension, they said.

Bose said fishermen would have no other option other than launch a major agitation if the attacks continued.