18 Mannar fishermen missing

[TamilNet, Saturday, 26 February 2000, 16:35 GMT]
Pallimunai Fishermen Association has made a complaint to the Mannar Citizen Committee that 18 fishermen have gone missing since yesterday and has requested to take action with the relevant authorities to locate them.

The fishermen had set out for fishing around 8 a.m., Friday morning, as usual with the permission of the security forces at Southbar check post. However, they had not returned by the end of the day.

Mr.Jeyabalasingam, the Secretary of Mannar Citizen Committee said the matter has been brought to the notice of the Head Quarters Inspector (HQI) of Mannar Police and the Army Co-ordinating Officer in the district. He also said the authorities have notified the SLN camps at Thalaimannar and Kalpiddy.

Meanwhile SLA authorities in Jaffna said today that fishing in Jaffna lagoon will be allowed from March 1st.

A decision to this effect was taken today at a conference held at the 51-2 Brigade Headquarters, Jaffna, said sources.

Major General Gamini Jayasunthera, Officer Commanding of 51 Brigade presided.

Representatives of fisheries societies, Jaffna District Parliamentarian Mr.K.V.K.Jegan (EPDP) and several officials attended the conference.

On February 27, Sunday the SLN personnel will demarcate the sea area allowed for fishing. On February 28, Monday fishermen will be allowed to retrieve their fishing nets already laid in the sea before the ban on fishing was imposed. From March 1st fishing will be allowed in Jaffna lagoon, according to a decision reached at this conference.