More than 2,500 fishermen from Mandapam and Rameswaram had ventured into the sea yesterday and were fishing off Katchatheevu when the Lankan naval men came to the  spot and snapped the fishing nets of 100 boats before chasing them away, Assistant Director of Fisheries Department, Mandapam, Gopinath said.

Sixteen fishermen were arrested and taken to Kangesanthurai in the island nation, he said adding four boats were impounded.

Condemning the frequent arrest of the fishermen, Rameswaram Fishermen Association President, P Sesuraja urged the Centre to intervene and help them fish in the traditional waters in Palk Strait.

Over 3,500 fishermen from the state were on January 9 chased away by the Lankan naval personnel who had damaged some boats by pelting stones and snapped the fishing nets of around 50 vessels, for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters off Katchatheevu islet.