Navy Pooh-poohs Indian Media Reports On 'Dhanushkodi Attack'

Sri Lanka Navy categorically stated that it never attacked Indian fishermen in the Indian territory off Dhanushkodi coast on Tuesday. 

Speaking to Asian Mirror, Navy Spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakulasuriya said there was no such incident on Tuesday and the Indian media reports were completely false. 

Press Trust of India on Tuesday reported that Sri Lankan Navy, who on Saturday surprised Indian fishermen trawling near Katchatheevu by offering them soft drinks and sweets, attacked eight fishermen off Dhanushkodi coast. 

According to them, Four fishermen suffered severe injuries on the head, hand and shoulder while others sustained internal injuries. Indian media also stated that two boats and 10 fishing nets were damaged in the attack with bottles, stones and sticks.

“I don’t think our fishermen were at fault. They have been hit with bottles, stones and sticks in the sea off Dhanushkodi coast. They made futile attempts to contact the Indian Coast Guard personnel,” a representative of a fishermen’s association had told Indian media on Tuesday.