Sri Lankan navy denies reports of attacking Indian fishermen

The Sri Lankan Navy on Monday denied reports that it had attacked an Indian boat in mid seas near Katchatheevu, an uninhabited island in the northern seas belonging to Sri Lanka.

According to media reports, the attack which occurred on Sunday, had left one Indian fishermen injured when Sri Lankan naval officers had allegedly attacked their boat by pelting stones and bottles. The boat had four Indian fishermen on board.

Sri Lanka's Navy Spokesperson, Captain Akram Alavi however denied the reports and said that such an attack had not taken place.

"If such an incident has occurred, the navy would have been notified immediately. But nothing of this sort has taken place," Alavi told Xinhua.

Media reports on Monday said that one fisherman identified as Muthu was injured in the forehead while the others managed to escape unhurt.

A complaint over the alleged incident had also been lodged with the Indian police and investigations were ongoing, reports added.

The Sri Lankan navy last week arrested 14 Indian fishermen for illegally poaching in local waters.

Both the countries have been trying to resolve the long-standing fishermen issue with both sides having to face arrest and boats being detained when they stray into each other's waters illegally.

Recently both countries agreed to release all the fishermen in their custody as a goodwill gesture. Endit