Fishing restrictions to remain- SLA commander

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 27 February 2008, 01:54 GMT]
Major General G.A.Chandrasiri, commander of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Jaffna at a meeting held Monday afternoon within High Security Zone (HSZ) in Palaly addressing the representatives of various civil groups said that until security in seas surrounding the peninsula improves, fishing restrictions in Jaffna will not be lifted, but added that he will take steps to ease travel for the sick to obtain medical treatment in Colombo.

Representatives of civil organizations at the conference had pointed out the hardships faced by fishing community in Kudaakkadal area comprising Columbuthurai, Paasayoor and Kurunagar due to restrictions imposed by Sri Lanka Army (SLA).

Jaffna magistrate R.T.Wignarajah, Jaffna Government Agent (GA) K.Ganesh, Nallai Srilasri Somasundera Kurukal, Major General L.P.R.Mark of the 51 Division stationed in Valigaamam, Northern region Deputy Inspector General of Police, Poojitha Jayasundera, and Acting Superintendent of Police, Jaffna were present at the conference.

Representatives from office of the United Nations residential representative, Jaffna Human Rights Commission (HRC), and international commission of Red Cross (ICRC) also attended the meeting.

Attendees pointed out the difficulties faced by students and teachers as well as general public when they are held up for long periods while a military convoy passes through civilian centers. Major General Chandrasiri promised to take special action to ease the situation in a communiqué released to the media Wednesday night.

The SLA commander of the Northern region thanked the general public for extending their cooperation in distributing essential commodities and said he will take steps to ease shortage of food items.

He also pointed out that after the establishment of vigilant groups in Nallur and Jaffna there has been a significant drop in the in the incidences of murders and demands for ransom. He also stated that steps would be taken to form more such groups in other parts of the peninsula to maintain law and order.

After the meeting attendees said they will remain skeptical until the Commander carries out his assurances with direct action.

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