Fisherman injured in Lankan navy attack

According to sources, hundreds of fishermen ventured into the sea from Rameswaran. Of these, seven fishermen, were fishing near the Katchatheevu. At this juncture, the Sri Lankan navy personnel suddenly came to the spot and stated hurling stones at them. 

Even before the fishermen could realise and escape from the spot, one of them was seriously hurt and six others suffered bleeding injuries. The fishermen, who sustained serious injuries on the head was identified as Rayappan. Other fishermen in the vicinity, immediately rushed to the spot, rescued Rayappan and brought him to the shore. 

During an enquiry by the fisheries department officials Rayappan said that many fishermen were using gill nets despite the ban and strict action should be taken against such offenders. Rayappan also claimed that the Sri Lankan navy personnel in the past had attacked only those fishermen who used gill nets. 

But in the latest incident, the navy men attacked even fishermen who cast only the permitted nets, he alleged.