Lankan Navy drives away TN fishermen near Katchatheevu

A group of fishermen who put out to sea in 250 mechanised boats from here returned empty handed today after Sri Lankan Naval personnel allegedly pelted stones and bottles at them near Katchatheevu.
Fisheries department officials said no fisherman was injured in the attack around midnight last night.
The fishermen were not allowed near Katchatheevu, though they had the right to dry their nets in the island as per the agreement under which the islet was ceded by India to Lanka in 1974, they said.
The fishermen have been pressing for restoration of fishing rights in traditional areas.