LTTE plans to abduct Indian fishermen, boats

The LTTE is planning to abduct Tamil Nadu fishermen and hijack their boats to use them as shields against Sri Lankan Forces, according to sources in the Fisheries Department in Ramannathapuram.

The department has directed all fishermen setting out to sea to carry their identity cards and registration books.

Department sources said the LTTE is also planning to use the Indian fishing boats for suicide attacks on Lankan Navy vessels. LTTE’s setback in their war against Sri Lanka has made them adopt alternative strategies, sources added.

Indian defence forces have also been warned not to permit fishermen to venture into the sea without adequate documents.

The Defence Forces and Fisheries Department have warned the Indian fishermen not to trespass the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).

Security Forces in coastal areas have been alerted. Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have deployed four ships in Palk Bay to monitor movements in Indian waters.

Two hovercraft of ICG are also patrolling the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay. Interceptor boats and speed boats are vigilant in Indian waters to check intrusion of strangers, sources said.