In the second such incident this week, 8 Tamil Nadu fishermen were today injured and 13 boats damaged when Sri Lankan Naval personnel allegedly attacked them near the International Maritime Boundary Line near Katchatheevu, officials said.
The Sri Lankan Navalmen pelted stones and also used steel bodied boats to dash against the craft of the fishermen and also used axe like weapons, forcing them to return to the shores, Indian Coast Guard and Fisheries officials said here.
The eight fishermen suffered blood clots, bruises and concussion in the stone pelting, officials said at the government hospital here where they were being treated.
Two of the injured Mutusamy and Ganesan told reporters that the Sri Lankan Navalmen hit them not only with stones but got onto their boats and assaulted them using the butt of their rifles and wooden planks.
The incident comes a day after Chief Minister Jayalalithaa wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressing concern over recurring attacks on fishermen and said India should take a strong stand against Sri Lanka and convey its serious apprehension through tough words and action.
On Sunday, six fishermen were injured and 10 boats damaged when Sri Lankan Naval personnel allegedly pelted stones at them while they were fishing near Katchatheevu islet.
Coast Guard officials said 13 boats had been damaged in the incident though the loss was restricted to wind screen and window panes.
A boat which suffered extensive damage after being banged by a steel bodied boat was retrieved and brought to the shore with the help of six other boats.
Asked about the recurring attacks, an official of Vajra Coast Guard ship said the fishermen were crossing the IMBL in the midnight and it was not always possible to have a close look on such a long border, though they were doing their best.
