Poaching dispute: Lankan fishermen to hold protests today and tomorrow

Northern fishermen will hold protests today and tomorrow against poaching by Indian fishermen in Sri Lanka's waters and the government's failure to stop it.

One of the protests will be held today in the Madagal Sea area and the other in Mannar, opposite the Office of India's Consular General.

Fishermen have expressed concern that little or no action has been taken so far to prevent the entry of Indian fishermen, who, in turn, have been putting pressure on the Sri Lankan government to refrain from taking action against intruding fishermen.

They said that Indian fishermen crossing the border into Sri Lankan waters were arrested and placed under detention, but were later released on bail with conditions.

However, after the courts took strong action by imposing jail terms, the Indian fishermen staged a protest in Tamil Nadu and boycotted the Kachchativu St. Anthony’s shrine festival last weekend.

The Indian fishermen called off the strike and returned to fishing activities this week.

Three Indian fishermen have been sentenced to a sixmonth jail term so far this year, and five Indian fishermen have been sentenced to one year in prison. The five prisoners have now been shifted to Welikada prison.

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda has discussed the issue of poaching and the arrest of Indian fishermen with Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha.

Meanwhile, there has been a delay in bringing more than 38 boats of Sri Lankan fishermen to Sri Lanka as the move has not received the approval of the District Collectors in Tamil Nadu.