Pondy cops fire in air to quell fishers’ clash

Fishermen from Veerampatinam village in Puducherry and Nallavadu village in Tamil Nadu used to clash frequently over theirterritory of fishing. Ten days ago, there was a similar clash and the Nallavadu fishermen allegedly set fire to the fishing nets of those in Veerampatinam.

Alleging that the Nallavadu fishermen had crossed their fishing territory, fishermen from Veerampatinam in a boat confronted them and hacked them on Monday morning. Hearing the news, more than a hundred fishermen of Nallavadu in several boats came to the Veerampatinam area and the Veerampatinam fishermen faced them with weapons and both clashed in the sea.

Five fishermen from Nallavadu were injured as Veerampatinam fishermen hurled country-made bombs at them.

Following this, the police fired 10 rounds in the air from the shore and also burst teargas shells and brought the situation under control.

More than 10 injured in the clash were admitted to the government general hospital.

Police have registered a case and are investigating.

Following the clash, heavy police pickets have been posted at Veerampatinam and Nallavadu villages to prevent any untoward incidents.

Prohibitory orderunder Section 144 Cr Pc has also been clamped in the two villages.