SL maritime forces arrests 9 Indian fishermen, attacks fishing trawlers

State fisheries department officials said here today the Sri Lankan Coast Guard arrested nine fishermen, hailing from Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu on the charges of poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

The arrested fishermen along with their boats were handed over to the officials of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Kankasanthurai for onward action.

In another incident, the Sri Lankan Navy allegedly fired in the air to chase away Indian fishing boats near the controversial Katchatheevu Island.  

The Lankan Naval personnel attacked the Indian boats and destroyed the fishing nets valued several lakhs of Rupees.

They also warned the fishermen to leave the zone  or else they have to face dire consequences.  Soon after the vicious attack, the fishermen hailing from Rameswaram winded up their fishing operations and returned to the shore with huge loss today.