Batticaloa fishermen protest against paramilitary harassment

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 18 September 2007, 02:50 GMT]
More than 300 fishermen living along the coast of Batticaloa district continued their boycott for the third consecutive day, protesting against the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) backed paramilitary armed men who forcibly buy their catch at very low prices, seriously affecting their income, the protesting fishermen said. The fishermen also said insecure atmosphere prevails in the coastal areas and that live in constant fear for their lives.

The fishermen have filed complains to the State Fisheries Department in Kalladi.

The boycott has created shortage of fish in Batticalaoa district, according fisheries sources.

The fishermen said that they will not go fishing until the authorities provide assurance of safety to conduct their trade.