SLN troops assault fishermen, confiscate fishing pass in Jaffna lagoon

[TamilNet, Sunday, 14 December 2008, 12:15 GMT]
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) patrol troops from Oorkaavatturai (Kayts) assaulted more than 135 fishermen Friday and Saturday while they were fishing in Jaffna lagoon and confiscated their fishing 'pass' issued by the Sri Lankan military authorities, according to complaints made by them to fisheries societies. The SLN troops in their patrol boats attacked the fishermen with rifle butts and batons and sent them back to the shore, fishermen who wish to remain anonymous for fear of retribution said.

The fishermen attacked are from Paasaiyoor, Kurunakar and Kozhumpuththu'rai areas who had gone fishing in more than 75 boats.

SLA had issued fishing pass to them to fish from 6:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m daily using outboard motors on their boats for an unlimited distance from Jaffna shore up to Poonakari waters.

SLA had permitted day time fishing in Jaffna lagoon following the capture of Poonakari by the SLA.

The fishermen have appealed to their respective fisheries societies to help get back their fishing passes.

This indiscriminate attack by the SLN on fishermen who were allowed by the SLA to fish has caused discontent and anguish among the fishermen.