Jaffna fishermen complain continuous navy harassment

[TamilNet, Thursday, 16 May 2002, 09:24 GMT]
The security forces are still harassing fishermen in Jaffna district, according to complaints lodged at the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission by several fisheries co-operative societies. Fishermen who are engaged fishing in Jaffna lagoon are subjected to body check by the navy before they enter their boats, sources said.

The Sri Lanka Navy has tightened their security measures in Valvettithurai sea, resulting in severe harassment to fishermen there.

According to Valvettithurai Fishermen Society, navy personnel who patrol the area intercept fishing boats in the sea and grab all the catch from the fishermen thus depriving their income. Fishermen who catch prawns and crabs in shallow sea also are subjected to harassment by navy personnel. The navy grabs all crabs and prawns from these fishermen, the sources said.

Following complaints by the Vadamaradchi Fisheries Co-operative Societies Federation, the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission officials in Jaffna visited Valvettithurai and conducted inquiries.