Eight fishermen injured in attack by SL navy personnel

Sri Lankan Navy, who on Saturday surprised Indian fishermen trawling near Katchatheevu by offering them soft drinks and sweets, attacked eight fishermen in the Indian territory off Dhamushkodi coast early today, Fiseries Department sources said.

Four fishermen suffered severe injuries on the head, hand and shoulder while others sustained internal injuries. All of them were admitted to hospital, the sources said.

Two boats and 10 fishing nets were damaged in the attack with bottles, stones and sticks. The Navy personnel also took away the fishermen's catch, the sources said.

"I dont think our fishermen were at fault today. They have been hit with bottles, stones and sticks in the sea off Dhanushkodi coast. They made futile attempts to contact the Indian Coast Guard personnel," local fishermen's association President Emiret told reporters.

He said the fishermen had enough evidence to prove that they were fishing in Indian waters.

Sri Lanka has often accused Tamil Nadu fishermen of straying into their territorial waters, while the latter maintain they are only fishing in their traditional areas.