Tension prevails in Rameswaram after rumours of Sri Lankan navy opening fire on Indian boats

RAMESWARAM: Tension prevailed in Rameswaram on Tuesday morning as fishermen after rumours spread that the Sri Lankan navy had opened fire on fishing boats in the Palk Strait.
Hundreds of fishing boats from Rameswaram ventured into sea for fishing on Monday, and they started returning on Tuesday. As boats arrived one by one, rumours started spreading that the Sri Lankan navy had opened fire on them.
However, fishermen leaders ruled out the possibility Sri Lankan navy attacking the Indian boats.They said all boats had returned safely.
The Sri Lankan navy has intensified patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Fearing possible apprehension, many boats which had gone beyond the IMBL fled after cutting their fishing gear.
“There is no truth in the news that the Sri Lankan navy opened fire on our boats. However, patrolling was very intense. Around 50 boats have abandoned their fishing gear fearing apprehension by the Sri Lankan navy. Each gear may cost Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 lakh,” said S Emerit, a fishermen leader from Rameswaram.
Marine police sources at Mandapam also denied any such allegations of shooting. “We have received information that Sri Lankan authorities have detained some Sri Lankans mid-sea on charges of drug peddling. The chances of anyone from our coast involved in it has to be investigated,” the official said.