Sri Lankan fishermen damage nets, seize catch

Reports said K Senthamilselvan (41) of Samandhampettai of Nagapattinam, his son Ilayaraja (22) and another fisherman S Devaguru (25), ventured into the Bay of Bengal in the fibre boat (TN 06 MO 1702) from Kodiakarai on Sunday morning around 10.30 am. While they were fishing off Kodiakarai coast in the wee hours of Monday, a few Sri Lankan fishermen reached the spot at around 5 am and started to damage their nets. They also allegedly took away their catch worth Rs.1 lakh, after assaulting them. 

It is said, they were fishing at around 15 nautical miles south east off the Kodiakarai when around 25 Sri Lankan fishermen came towards them in six fibre boats. When they attempted to leave the place after spotting them, the SL fishermen surrounded them and reportedly assaulted. 

Since the mid-sea attacks by Sri Lankan fishermen have been continuing, fishermen are worried over possible attacks, although venturing into deep seas is said to be allowed by the fisheries department. It may be noted that the Nagai fishermen have been assaulted by the SL counterparts since February 18. And till Monday there are six incidents have taken place.