Various sections in the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee emphasized that catching of Sea Cucumber by the fishermen from South should immediately be banned.
“Local fisher folks face tremendous difficulties due to the catching of Sea Cucumber by the fishermen from South. Therefore, a resolution should be passed stating that it should be banned and actions should be taken if the catching of Sea Cucumber continues by violating the ban”, Sukirthan, one of the NPC members requested.
“1500 fishermen are staying at Vadamaratchi East by setting up Vadis. Permission for catching Sea Cucumber has been granted by the Department of Fisheries Resources. It has been granted conditionally. Sea Cucumber should be caught 5 km away from the coast and it should not be caught in the nights”, stated the Divisional Secretary of Maruthankerni.
They are staying without permission
“Staying at a place by setting up Vadis should be permitted only by the DS of the particular area. I did not give them such permission. But some individuals and Fishermen’ Association give them such Permission Letter for money. Thus, enormous numbers of them are staying here. It caused health hazards. Several issues arose due to the improper conduct of them. Local fisher folks got affected severely due to this. Therefore, we gave them 30 days time to leave from this place. After that we will take necessary actions”, he further added.
Leave from this place within one week
They should be expelled from here within a week since 30 days time is not needed. Legal actions should be taken against them without accepting the letters from individuals, according to Chief Minister Justice C.V.Vigneshwaran.
Legal actions should be taken
Permission for catching Sea Cucumber is given for last 5 years. However, catching Sea Cucumber at Vadamaratchi East has just now started. We are talking legal actions against them. People of the particular are gave their own lands to them without getting anyone’s permission. Six persons have given their lands so far. Two Fishermen’ Associations gave permission to this.
in order to protect the livelihood of the local fisher folks, catching of Sea Cucumber by the fishermen from South should immediately be banned. Various sections are involved in this. Therefore, actions should be taken legally.
Intimidations to the DS by considering him as racist
The Divisional Secretary of this area, who takes actions legally, is viewed by those in South as a racist, Government Agent of Jaffna District stated. In addition, various intimidations are being given to the DS, Chairman of the Point Pedro Pradeshiya Sabha stated.
