Rameswaram, Jan 23 (UNI) Sri Lankan Naval personnel attacked a number of Indian fishing trawlers, destroyed fishing nets and chased away the fishermen, when they were fishing near the controversial Katchatheevu Islet on Tuesday.

Fishermen, who returned to Rameswaram fishing jetty after the mid-sea attack, told newsmen that more than 2,000 fishermen had ventured into the sea in 490 mechanized fishing trawlers on Monday. When they were fishing near the Katchatheevu Islet, the Sri Lankan Naval fast patrol crafts encircled atleast 50 fishing boats, pelted stones and soda bottles, the fishermen alleged.