Archives

by Jaffna special correspondent

Independence Day celebrations in Jaffna were marred by the Jaffna fishermen performing satyagraha at the entrances to the Jaffna Secretariat preventing the Government Agent and officials from entering the premises. They had given prior notice of their decision to prevent the Independence Day function to be held in the Secretariat and officials did not arrive. The people on satyagraha hoisted black flags at the two main entrances and squatted opposite the gates in numbers.

M. K. Sivajalingahm MP (Jaffna District - TNA) and a TELO stalwart was seen among the satyagrahis in his wheel-chair giving directions to the officials of the fisherman's union on the modalities of their protest.

He told the Daily News that he had informed the Prime Minister and Prof. Peiris of the decision to observe satyagraha. He said that they were not demanding the entire lifting of the ban on fishing in the high seas. They only asked for a reasonable lifting of the ban to enable the fishermen to earn their livelihood. "If the government wanted they could easily accede to our request," he said. The satyagrahis will not stop their campaign on verbal assurances. "They are backed by the entire Jaffna community. We will give up our campaign only after our reasonable demand is met," he said. 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager