Nine fishermen from here were missing and more than 200 boats damaged in an alleged attack by Sri Lankan naval personnel at the International Maritime Boundary Line in Palk Strait, officials said.
Fishermen from the island who had put out to sea in more than 600 boats were fishing near the IMBL when they were allegedly surrounded by Sri Lankan Naval personnel and attacked with stones, forcing them to return to the shores, fisheries officials said quoting the fishermen.
This is the first attack on Tamil Nadu fishermen allegedly by the neighbouring Republic's navy after External Affairs Minister S M Krishna raised the issue with authorities in Colombo during his four-day visit last week.
More than 200 boats suffered damage in 'the heavy shower' of stones, said another fisherman Jagadheesh, who suffered cut injury in his leg.
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