According to the president of Federation Jaffna peninsula fishermen societies, S. Thavaratnam the numbers of Indian fishing trawlers encroaching the seas around Jaffna peninsula have increased recently, damaging the fishing nets of local fishermen while robbing local fish resources.
Such an illegal encroachment has been completely ignored by Sri Lanka Navy (SLN). It is said that SLN intentionally failed to take any action against Indian fishermen in the seas from Mayiliddi in Kaangkeasanththu’rai to Maathakal and in the seas of the islets of Jaffna. Media reports revealed that trawler fishing is being permitted in peninsula seas despite protest by local fishermen and against Fisheries Department regulations, with the blessing of a government minister.
Thavaratnam said that the Indian fishing trawlers engage in fishing during nights mainly in areas which are restricted for local fishermen. Local fishermen of Jaffna peninsula staged their protest against the trawler fishing in their seas as it causes damage to their nets and other equipment besides dwindling fish resources. The fishermen held a demonstration recently in Valveddiththu’rai against trawler fishing in the peninsula seas.
