Two fishermen injured in Lankan Navy attack

RAMANATHAPURAM: Two fishermen were injured in an alleged attack by Sri Lankan Navy personnel near Katchativu on Tuesday.According to sources, around 659 mechanised boats were fishing near Katchativu on Tuesday when some Sri Lankan Navy vessels surrounded them and started throwing stones on Indian fishermen. Two fishermen, including one Selvaraj, were injured in the incident. The fishermen were subsequently forced to return to shore with a poor catch. However, the affected fishermen did not lodge a formal complaint with the Fisheries Department as they feared retaliation.A fisherman from Rame­swaram told Express that owing to the continued attacks by the Lankans, it had become difficult for them to carry on with their trade without incurring losses, as a single fishing trip would entail at least `15,000 in expenses.Tamilnadu Coastal Mechanised Fishing Industry general secretary N J Bose warned that the fishing industry would be forced to bid adieu to Rameswaram if the fishermen were not protected from such mid-sea attacks.