Sri Lankan army attack Tamil fishermen near Katchatheevu

Rameswaram (TN): A group of fishermen from Tamil Nadu were today allegedly attacked by Sri Lankan naval men while they were fishing near Katchatheevu, fisheries department officials said. The fishermen from this coastal area had ventured for fishing in 20 boats, officials said, adding, the Lankan naval men allegedly attacked them with ropes and steel pipes causing extensive damage to their fishing nets and communication equipment. [caption id=“attachment_640362” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Image for representation only. AFP[/caption] The officials, quoting a boat-owner, said they reportedly even stuffed sugar in the engine of one of the mechanised boats and paralysed it. The fishermen alleged the naval personnel also seized the catch and warned that they would open fire next time if they were seen near Katchatheevu, an islet in the Palk Straits ceded to Sri Lanka by India in 1974. PTI