Tension prevailed in the coastal hamlets of Mela Manakkudi, Puththenthurai and Muttom in Kanniyakumari district following clash among country boat fishermen over using a banned 3-tier fishnet that ensures attractive catch. Police personnel have been deployed in these villages after a group of fishermen allegedly attempted to unleash an attack on rivals after entering their hamlet in 20 boats, laden with lethal weapons. Following use of the banned 3-tier fishnet by a group of fishermen in a few coastal hamlets of Kanniyakumari district and subsequent complaints submitted by another group, Collector Prashant M. Wadanere prohibited the use of the net as it is detrimental to marine wealth and sustainable fishing practices. However, the fishermen were later allowed to use the banned fishnet with certain conditions that triggered a clash between fishermen of Mela Manakkudi and Puththenthurai on land and also on high seas. In one such incident, the banned nets used for fishing and other equipment were confiscated on the high seas by the group opposing the use of banned fishnet on September 29. In a bid to find an amicable solution, Assistant Director of Fisheries Deepa chaired a meeting in her office at Chinna Muttom Fishing Harbour on Monday, in which fishermen from Mela Manakkudi and Puththenthurai fishermen participated. It was decided in the meeting that the fishermen should desist from using the banned net as it was destroying marine wealth, triggering clashes between them and consequently undermining law and order. When they were coming out after the talks, fisherman Robert, 35, of Puththenthurai was attacked. He was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital at Asaripallam, where he is said to be out of danger. One group of fishermen again used the banned fishnet despite the decision taken at the talks. Tension heightened when the fishermen of Muttom backed their brethren of Puththenthurai and went to Mela Manakkudi in 20 boats with lethal weapons in a bid to unleash an attack. Superintendent of Police Srinatha rushed police force to Mela Manakkudi and averted a clash between fishermen. Led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Muthupandian, police personnel have been deployed at Mela Manakkudi, Puththenthurai and Muttom. Meanwhile, Nagercoil Revenue Divisional Officer Veerasamy chaired a peace meeting at his office on Wednesday to resolve the crisis.