Protests over fishing restrictions continue

[TamilNet, Monday, 10 June 2002, 11:47 GMT]
Jaffna fishermen continued their picketing campaign for the third day, Monday in front of the District Secretariat (Kachcheri) and the Divisional Secretariat, demanding their freedom to fish without military restrictions. Activities at the two offices have come to a standstill following the picketing by the fishermen, secretariat sources said.

Some Sri Lanka Army officials Monday met the representatives of the Federation of Fisheries Societies and invited them for a discussion regarding their demand at the headquarters of the 51 Brigade.

However the fishermen declined the offer stating that they could consider such a request came from the Jaffna Area Commander who is in charge of the peninsula as the 51 Brigade covers only Jaffna town.

Fisheries Federation sources said that their picketing campaign will continue until the fishing restriction is withdrawn.