Four local fishermen were arrested and fishing nets of about 20 boats damaged allegedly by Sri Lankan navy personnel in separate incidents near Neduntheevu and Katchatheevu, according to a fishermen's organisation.

Rameswaram fishermen organisation president S Emerite said fishermen of this area had ventured into the sea in 396 mechanized boats on Monday.

Most of them were fishing near Katchatheevu when Sri Lankan navy personnel arrived and allegedly damaged fishing nets of about 20 boats, asking them not to fish there, he said, adding, they returned to the shore.

Meanwhile, four fishermen were arrested for allegedly fishing in Sri Lankan waters on Monday night.

He said the fishermen were fishing near Neduntheevu in Sri Lanka.

The arrested fishermen have been taken to Kankesanthurai, he added.

(PTI)