India accuses Navy of threatening fishermen at gun point

December 4, 2014

About 3,000 fishermen, who put out to sea from this coastal town today, were allegedly threatened at gun point by Sri Lankan naval personnel and nets of 15 boats damaged, P Sesuraja, according to

President of Fishermen’s Association, the Indian media reported.

The fishermen had set sail after a five-day gap in 650 boats but had to return empty handed as the naval personnel
blocked their passage and and sent them back at gun point in the Palk Straits, he told reporters.

The Lankan personnel also damaged the nets of 15 boats, he alleged.
At least 38 Indian fishermen lodged in Sri Lanka’s Jaffna prison for alleged poaching are on a fast unto death demanding their early release.

The Indian consulate office in Jaffna has alerted the Indian High Commission officials here after the Indian prisoners began their protest in the jail, prison officials said today. The fishermen were arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

Last month, Sri Lanka released five Indian fishermen,who had been sentenced to death on drug trafficking charges, after a presidential pardon from Mahinda Rajapaksa.

As many as 6,483 Indian nationals are in jails in 68 countries, with a maximum of 1,469 being detained in Saudi Arabia, the Lok Sabha was informed today.