A fisherman of Rameswaram was injured when Indian fishing boats were attacked, allegedly by Sri Lankan naval personnel, near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) at Kachchatheevu late on Saturday.
The attackers, who were seen patrolling near Kachchatheevu, allegedly pelted the fishermen with stones.
Several fishermen took evasive action and escaped. However, M. Jegadeesh (30) was hit by a sharp stone. He received injuries on his right leg. The boat's windshield was damaged in the incident.
“When we were fishing near Kachchatheevu, the Sri Lankan Navy men threw stones on the boats. We could not escape as they targeted us from a very close range,” Mr. Jegadeesh told The Hindu .
He said they also damaged fishing nets and gears of several boats warning the Indian fishermen to return from Kachchatheevu.
Mr. Jegadeesh added that though several other fishermen were attacked in the incident no one was ready to reveal their identity fearing a backlash from the Sri Lankan Navy.
Attack condemned
Condemning the attack on Indian fishermen allegedly by Sri Lankan Naval personnel, CPI leader D Raja said India should reopen the 1974 agreement ceding Katchatheevu to the island nation to find a lasting solution to the recurring mid–sea incidents.
