8 Tamil Nadu fishermen injured in attack by Lankan counterparts

Nagapattinam: Eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu were injured when they were attacked allegedly by theirSri Lankan counterparts at mid-sea off Kodiakarai coast in the district, officials said.

The fishermen belonging to Keechankuppam hamlet had put out to sea from here on February 18 and were engaged in deep sea fishing south east of Kodiakarai last night when the Sri Lankan fishermen on board six fast crafts surrounded them and hurled petrol bombs on their boats, they said.

Then they jumped onto the Indian fishermen's boat and attacked the eight occupants with sickles before taking awaythe fish catch, communication equipment and other valuables.

Three of the victims with serious injuries have been admitted to the government hospital and others weretreated as outpatients, officials said.

Fisheries Minister K A Jayapaul visited the hospital and inquired about the condition of the three fishermen.

He said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa would be apprised of the incident for necessary action.

The eight fishermen were rescued and brought to the shore by their colleagues who were fishing in the vicinity.