Fishing communities in Jaffna staged a protest on Friday demanding an end to the continued incursions by Indian fishermen into waters off the Tamil homeland.
The demonstration brought together fisherfolk from across the Jaffna District and began as a march outside the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources office in the Pannai area. Protesters then proceeded to the Jaffna District Secretariat, highlighting growing frustration over what they describe as repeated violations of their traditional fishing grounds.
During the protest, a memorandum outlining their demands was handed over to the Jaffna District Secretary. Fisher representatives said they were seeking urgent intervention to prevent further encroachment and to protect their livelihoods, which they say have been steadily undermined by the incursions.
Following the march, additional memoranda were submitted to the Indian Deputy High Commission, the Governor of the Northern Province, and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The submissions called for coordinated action by Sri Lankan and Indian authorities to address the issue and enforce existing regulations.
Indian fishermen, particularly trawler operators, have long been accused by Eelam Tamil fisherfolk of crossing maritime boundaries and engaging in bottom trawling, a practice that causes severe damage to the marine ecosystem. Local fishing communities say the incursions deplete fish stocks and destroy nets and equipment, leaving small-scale Tamil fishing communities struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
The issue has repeatedly sparked protests across the Northern Province, with accusations the Sri Lankan state of failing to safeguard their rights while prioritising diplomatic relations with India.
With periodic arrests, assaults and even the killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan security forces, tensions across the Palk Strait’s fishing communities remains high.
