COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas in Mullaithivu on Wednesday (5) to prevent a brawl from taking place between two groups of fishermen.Fishermen from Mullaithivu have been protesting opposite the Mullaithivu Fisheries Office for three days citing several demands including a ban on illegal fishing methods and the transfer of corrupt officials.While this protest was taking place, another group marched in protest from the Mullaithivu Bus Terminal demanding that a certain type fishing net locally known as the 'Surukku Dela' be permitted to be used for fishing, though it has been banned in Sri Lanka.The group then attempted to march towards the Mullaithivu Fisheries Office.Despite Sri Lanka Police attempting to prevent them marching ahead, the group broke through and Sri Lanla Police were forced to fire tear gas to disperse the crowd.After tear gas was fired, the fishermen who demanded permission to use the banned fishing net protested opposite the Mullaithivu District Secretariat.They handed over a letter to the Mullaithivu District Secretary, and thereafter with Police and Military protection handed over a letter to the Mullaithivu Fisheries Department as well.The group thereafter moved away, however, the fishermen who want to ban the use of the said nets continued with their protest..