Fishing nets of 20 Indian boats damaged by Sri Lankan naval personnel

Fishing nets of about 20 Indian boats were damaged allegedly by Sri Lankan naval personnel near Katchatheevu islet.

Fishermen Association president S Emerit said here today that 535 mechanised boats from this coastal town had put out to sea last night.

The Sri Lankan naval personnel came to the area in five boats, snapped the fishing nets of the 20 boats and threatened them at gunpoint against fishing near the islet, forcing them to leave the area.

Emerit quoted the fishermen as saying that the Sri Lankan naval personnel were harassing them even if they fished in Indian territorial waters. Despite drawing the attention of the Coast Guard, no action had been taken He also urged the union government to take necessary steps to bring back the 82 boats, seized by Sri Lankan naval personnel, as the boats have been damaged due to rain.