No to Sinhalization: But Agree to traditional Migratory fishery!, says N.M. Alam, Chairperson, Nothern province fisher people's unity

The Fisher communities in Musali division in Mannar district are disturbed with the proposed plans and activities to settle fishermen from Southern districts, Chilaw and Negombo in particular claiming this is going to be a Sinhalization in Northern province.
"We do not bother about the Sinhala migratory fishermen come and fish in our areas. But they should not attempt to settle here permanently. Either government or military should not support these efforts", says N.M. Alam, the chairperson of Northern Province Fisher People's Unity.
"We respect the migration of southern fishers. But, they should not exceed the numbers they came to north before 1983. Now the southern fishers are coming to our areas which exceed the numbers for sustainable use of fish resources. We are also having problems of low catch and the southern fishers come to north we do not have enough fish for our fishermen to survive."
 "Also, they should not operate the destructive fishing practices which are not acceptable in our fishing areas. Southern fishermen use illegal fishing gears which are banned here in the north." added Alam.

"On the other hand, our fishermen from Mullikulam who lost their land, coast are still living in temporary shelters. Our people did not allow to go back to their own land. They are still living in Marichchukattu jungle. But, southern fishermen are also bringing to Marichchukattu jungle. Where should our people go?" ask Alam.
The southern fishers migration to northern districts is an issue to address immediately. NAFSO work with Northern and Southern fisher communities to find an amicable solution to the issue.
However, it is reported that the Muslim and Tamil fishing comminities in Mannar district will organize a protest in Mannar demanding not to have permanent settlements for Sinhala fishermen in Mannar district.