Fishermen threatened, sent back by Sri Lankan naval personnel

About 3,000 fishermen, who put out to sea from this coastal town on Thursday, were allegedly threatened at gun point by Sri Lankan naval personnel and nets of 15 boats damaged, P Sesuraja, President of Fishermen's Association said.

The fishermen had set sail after a five-day gap in 650 boats but had to return empty handed as the naval personnel blocked their passage and and sent them back at gun point in the Palk Straits, he told reporters.

The Lankan personnel also damaged the nets of 15 boats, he alleged.