If reports given by fishermen, that Chinese men in Lankan fatigues are jointly patrolling the seas with the Lankan navy are true, then India`s security seems to be at threat.

According to the fishermen from Ramanathapuram district, who have been attacked by the Lankan navy at mid sea, the Sinhalese are being accompanied by men who have Chinese features and who talk in a different language.

The Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, according to the fishermen, have been converted into a more sensitive zone after the elimination of the LTTE.

After the LTTE was routed, the Lankan navy, in the guise of eliminating the rebel forces, is patrolling the seas and are using very harsh methods if they catch Indian fishermen entering their waters.

Previously, the Lankan navy had charged that they had to intensify their vigilance as several sea tigers were moving under the guise of Indian fishermen.

The recent reports of fishermen sighting Chinese men along with the Lankan navy in the patrolling exercise have only added to the problem.

Subramani of Naripaiyur, a boat crew of a mechanised boat at Rameswaram, has revealed that many strangers can be seen among the Lankan forces.

Liden of Pamban, a boat owner, said that the fishermen saw several Chinese forces among the Lankan navy personnel and they were in clad in Lankan navy uniforms. These men aremore harsh in their treatment towards the captured Indian fishermen, he added.

N J Bose, general secretary of the Tamilnadu Fishermen Federation, said that these Chinese men attacked Indian fishermen without any warning.

If what the fishermen say is true, then our national security is under threat. It`s time that the Defence Ministry takes stock of the situation in Indian waters.