SL Forces lift fishing blockade in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Sunday, 18 March 2007, 12:52 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) High Command in Jaffna allowed fishing in coastal areas in Vadamaradchy north and east with specific restrictions starting from Saturday, fisheries society sources in Jaffna said. Fishermen were allowed fishing during day-light hours, within one 1km from the shores, and can only use non-motorized boats, sources added.

Fearing sea-borne attacks by the Liberation Tigers, Sri Lanka armed forces imposed restrictions from one week before the 5-year anniversary of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) that fell on 22 February, across the Jaffna peninsula.

With Saturday's relaxation of ban, fisher families from Point-Pedro to Inparuddy in Valvettiturai excluding the Point Pedro jetty area, Munai through Katkovalam in Vadamaradchy North, and Manatkadu, Ampan Kudathanai in Vadamaradchy East, and Athikovildy in Valvettiturai started fishing Saturday, sources said.

Fishing restrictions in Jaffna Islets and southern shores of Jaffna peninsula have already been relaxed one month earlier.

Chronology: