Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 4 (ANI): A clash broke out between two groups of fishermen at Peda Jalaripeta in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday over the use of 'ring net' in the restricted area of the Bay of Bengal.

A group of fishermen set on fire to six fishing boats of another group of fishermen creating a tense atmosphere in the Vasavanipalem and Jalaripeta areas in Vizag city.

Also Read | Gujarat: 15-Year-Old Girl Dies By Suicide After Being Scolded By Father Over Tuition Fees Money.

They attacked each other in their mechanized boats and started chasing each other in the waters. Several fishermen had also fallen in the sea. Some of them set fire to a boat in the sea during the incident.

A large group of policemen rushed to the spot to pacify the fishermen and prevent further incidents.

Also Read | Chhattisgarh COVID-19 Restrictions: State Govt Bans Rallies, Social, Cultural, Sports Events; Imposes Night Curfew From 10 PM to 6 AM.

We have imposed Section 144 at Vasavanipalem and Jalaripeta areas in Vizag city and set up police picketing at Mangamaripeta and Fishing Harbour to prevent possible clashes between the two groups," said city police chief Manish Kumar Sinha.

There have been clashes between fisherfolk who use traditional nets and those who use ring nets in Vizag. While ring net fishing is banned within eight kilometers of the coast, the practice continues unabated. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)