Around 15 Indian fishermen were injured when they were allegedly attacked by Sri Lankan naval personnel in mid sea near the International Maritime Border Line early on Tuesday morning, Tamil Nadu coastal area fishermen's association said.
N.J. Bose, association president, said around 600 mechanised fishing boats were put out to sea off this island. Sri Lankan naval personnel allegedly attacked them near IMBL, injuring 15 fishermen, he said.
"Each boat owner lost between Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 and the entire trip was a waste as they had to return without a catch," he claimed. "Though we contribute crores of rupees in foreign exchange, the government has ignored our profession and failed to protect us," he said.
Fisheries department officials said some fishermen had violated rules by using banned nets. Doing so would impact Lankan fishermen and lead to tension, they said.
Bose said fishermen would have no other option other than launch a major agitation if the attacks continued.