Navy accused of damaging TN fishermen' gear

Sri Lankan Naval personnel accused of allegedly entering Indian waters and damaged fishing equipment of a group of fishermen from Rameswaram near fifth sand dune in the Palk Strait today,PTI reported.

Lankan Naval personnel also detained a boat belonging to the fishermen for about an hour at the fifth sand dune, which is part of Indian sea territory, Vercode Fishermen Association President Sagayam told reporters and police here.

He alleged that they crossed the International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) and damaged fishing equipment and GPS devices of the fishermen when they were fishing near Aathupalam.

He said the Lankan navy had lined up its patrol boats near Katchateevu to prevent Indian fishermen from crossing the IMBL. After entering Indian waters, they also threatened one Subramanian, a fisherman, by keeping a knife on his throat, he charged.

"Our fishermen have been careful as the Sri Lankan naval men were present in full strength near Katchatheevu, but it was not fair on their part to threaten us at knife point and damage our equipment when we were fishing in our territory," he said.