Thousands gathered in Chennai against attacks on Indian fishermen

The Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, said Sri Lanka agreed to let Indian naval personnel board their ships during patrolling in the Palk Straits to prevent possible recurrence of attacks on Indian fishermen.

A delegation including senior ministers of the state government has discussed the matter with Sri Lankan deputy High Commissioner PM Hamsa.

"The delegation alleged that two fishermen were killed after attacks and some others sustain injuries," the deputy High Commissioner told BBC Sandeshaya.

Seven people (sustained) very serious (injuries) and they have seized a number of boats: and they have arrested number of fishermen by Sri Lanka government TN minister Veerasamy

The meeting was arranged as thousands protested the attacks in the capital, Chennai.

Minister of energy in the state government, Arcot Veerasamy, told the BBC that three people were killed within a month as a result of the attacks.

"Seven people (sustained) very serious (injuries) and they have seized a number of boats: and they have arrested number of fishermen by Sri Lanka government," he told the BBC.

A group of parliamentarians from Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, has impressed upon INdian PM to take immediate action to stop attacks by Sri Lanka Navy on Indian fishermen.

We categorically deny any involvement by Sri Lanka Navy Sri Lanka deputy High Commissioner, PM Hamsa

The MPs told journalists in the capital, Delhi, that PM Manmohan Singh promised to take up the matter with the Sri Lankan government.

The deputy High Commissioner, however, rejected accusations that Sri Lanka Navy kills Indian fishermen.

"We categorically deny any involvement by Sri Lanka Navy," PM Hamsa told bbcsinhala.com.

He accused the Tamil Tigers of trying to divert the attention of their arms smuggling by attacking Indian fishermen.

However, Minister Veerasami said he has received first hand information that the fishermen were attacked by Sri Lanka Navy vessels.