Mullaithivu fishermen still at risk- MP

[TamilNet, Thursday, 29 July 2004, 16:50 GMT]
''The fishing community of Mullaithivu suffered immensely during the war. But the Sri Lanka Navy continues to terrorise them even after two years of peace'', Mr. Sathasivam Kanakaratnam, Tamil National Alliance MP for Vanni, told TamilNet Thursday. He said two Mullaithivu fishermen were dragged around at mid sea in their boats by SLN speed craft last week on 21 July.

The MP told TamilNet that 230 fishing families in Mullaithivu lost their bread winners during the war.

Seventy were killed by the Navy at sea and hundred and sixty were permanently maimed in SLN attacks on fishermen off the Mullaithivu coast, he said.

''Fishermen here are still struggling to find a firm footing economically. But the fear of SLN attacks is ruining their hopes'', the MP said.