Sri Lankan navalmen today took into custody 21 fishermen along with their five mechanised boats when they were fishing in the Palk Straits, a group of local fishermen here alleged today.
The fishermen, who were part of a large group which put out to sea from here yesterday, complained to fisheries department officials that the Lankan naval personnel fired at their boats, causing panic.
Five boats were damaged when they collided with each other while turning hurriedly around to return, they said.
The officials said over 600 vessels had put out to sea yesterday.
The fishermen later attempted to burn a country boat near the fisheries department to protest against the detention of their colleagues and complained of harassment by the Lankan Navy. Police prevented them from burning the boat.
PTI
The fishermen, who were part of a large group which put out to sea from here yesterday, complained to fisheries department officials that the Lankan naval personnel fired at their boats, causing panic.
Five boats were damaged when they collided with each other while turning hurriedly around to return, they said.
The officials said over 600 vessels had put out to sea yesterday.
The fishermen later attempted to burn a country boat near the fisheries department to protest against the detention of their colleagues and complained of harassment by the Lankan Navy. Police prevented them from burning the boat.
PTI
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