Eight Tamil Nadu fishermen injured in attack by Sri Lankan navy

Eight Tamil Nadu fishermen were injured when they were allegedly attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy for fishing in their territorial waters.

"Eight fishermen from Pudukottai district were fishing off Neduntheevu on Saturday evening when the Lankan naval personnel attacked them using iron rods and wires before chasing them away," Fisheries department Joint Director Sekar said.

The injured fishermen are being treated at the government hospital at Manalmelkudi in that district.

In another incident, more than 2500 fishermen from this island town were forced to return without their catch after they were allegedly chased away by the Lankan Navy for fishing off Katchatheevu, yesterday.

"The naval personnel allegedly pelted stones and snapped the nets of nearly 30 boats forcing the fishermen to flee and return to the shore this morning," Rameswaram Fishermen's Association President P Sesuraja said.

"The fishermen had ventured into the sea in more than 600 boats last evening and were fishing off Katchatheevu when they were attacked," he added.