Indian fishermen encroach Jaffna seas

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 12 October 2010, 05:22 GMT]
Indian fishermen are allowed to fish in the seas of Kaangeasanthu’rai and Kaarainakar where local fishermen are not permitted to fish for the last fifteen years, Jaffna District Fishermen Society representatives complained to Jaffna Government Agent (GA) Ms. Imelda Sukumar Monday. The GA had convened a meeting to look into complaints by Mullaiththeevu Fishermen Society representatives that Jaffna fishermen are encroaching Mullaiththeevu seas. Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) had not permitted local fishermen to fish in the seas of Kaangeasanthu’rai and Kaarainakar seas claiming that it was a threat to the security of their bases. How could the Indian fishermen be allowed to fish in the seas forbidden for local fishermen, Jaffna District Fishermen Society representatives asked the GA.

Meanwhile, Sinhala fishermen from the South continue to encroach Mullaiththeevu seas, Mullaiththeevu Fishermen Society representatives said.

Fishermen Society representatives from Jaffna and Mullaiththeevu districts participated in the above meeting held in Jaffna Secretariat by Jaffna GA with the aim to bring about a settlement between both groups.

Sri Lanka Fisheries Department officials attended the meeting.

Jaffna fishermen who are not allowed to fish in the seas of Kaangeasanthu’rai and Kaarainakar are forced to go to Vadmaraadchi East and Mullaiththeevu seas, Jaffna District Fishermen Society representatives said.