Fishermen say soldiers stealing catch

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 06 July 2004, 19:34 GMT]
Fishermen in the garrisoned coast of Jaffna's Thenmaradchi division Tuesday complained to Jaffna Sri Lankan security forces commander that his soldiers were stealing valuable lobsters and cuttlefish from traps they lay near the shore in the shallow waters of the lagoon. The Jaffna SF commander Maj. Gen. Susil Chandrapala visited some garrisoned coastal villages of Thenmaradchi Tuesday morning.

Fishermen in Koilaakandy and Thanangkilappu told the Jaffna SF commander that they should be allowed to fish beyond the military's security fence in the lagoon that has rusted and fallen apart now.

They said it is unfair that while fishermen from other areas are permitted to fish in beyond this fallen fence, they are prevented from wading there for their livlihood.

In press note issued later on Tuesday to Jaffna mediia, Maj. Gen. Chandrapala said that he would try to address the problems raised by the fishermen of Thenmaradchi.