
Fishermen of Jaffna-Vadamaradchi
SLA stealing fishing boats from fishermen
SLA has begun to steal the fishing boats belonging to fishermen in the Kudaththanai area in Vadamaradchi east in Jaffna. SLA is seen using these stolen boats for transport from Ampan to Nagarkovil areas in Jaffna. Three boats have been stolen by the SLA over the last one week.
Artillery fire from land and sea At the same time Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Army continue to fire artillery from sea and land into the settlements in Vadamaradchi east. This area extending from Kudarappu to Sundikulam made up of thirteen villages was the home for 14,000 people in 2002. However, since then, due to continuous harassments by SLA and SLN, half of the population has moved out of their homes. The remaining 7400 people stay there for their fishing livelihood and are facing these torments. The people charge that the SLA and the SLN deliberately target their homes with artillery fire to force them out of their homes. Boat yard forced to close While Jaffna-Vadamaradchi east fishermen in LTTE administered areas are facing these threats, firing, and stealing, the Jaffna-Vadamaradchi fishermen in the GoSL occupied areas are facing more direct face to face threats from the SLA. One boatyard owner in Inparuddi in this area was operating under great difficulties after the Sri Lankan Defense ministry banned the raw materials needed for his plant. The owner has now entirely abandoned his plant and left the area after receivong death threats from the SLA. Many of the fishermen from Thondamanaru to Kudaththanai depended on his plant for their fishing needs.
14 March 2008
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