Factional rivalry behind trawler fire in Mannar

[TamilNet, Monday, 19 December 2005, 04:37 GMT]
Two trawlers belonging to Tamil fishermen and anchored in Erukalampiddi sea in Mannar district were destroyed by fire set by unidentified persons Sunday early morning, sources from Mannar said. Destroyed trawlers were estimated to cost about two million rupees each. Pesalai fishermen have been anchoring their fishing vessels in Erukalampiddy Sea during rough weather for safety, fisher society sources said

Timely intervention by church and civic leaders including government and police officials defused tension that arose regarding the incident between fishermen of Pesalai and Erukalampiddy, sources said.

Pesalai Parish Priest Rev Fr. Patrick, Mannar Divisional Secretary Ms Stanley de Mel, Mannar Police Officer Mr.Suthath Thasmale, Inspector Mr. Cyril Balu rushed to the site and held talks with the representatives of two factions.

Tension was reduced and the parties amicably resolved the issues threatening community safety, sources said.