MIFCO seek Police aid to resume AFC operations

Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) on Monday said, it was seeking assistance from Maldives Police Service to resume operations of Addu Fisheries Complex (AFC).

Local fishers in the region had launched protests last Friday, addressing the delay in payments they are owed. The demonstrations intensified after fishers cut power to the complex and interrupted its operations.

The company said it held a discussion with police on Monday to resume operations at the complex, and added it would try to restart power to the venue by Monday afternoon.

MIFCO also said it will provide further details on new developments in the matter later.

Although police were present at the site of ongoing protests by fishers, the authority has not decided to intervene.

After power was cut from the accommodation, administration block, mosque and cafeteria, employees working at AFC have faced difficulties attending to their necessary tasks.

Police had attempted to resume power to the admin and accommodation blocks on Sunday evening as well.

Earlier, government had paid MVR 46 million out of the MVR 90 million in outstanding dues to fishers ahead of Eid-ul-Adha holidays.

The money was disbursed a day after fishers held protests in Greater Male' area earlier in June.