MIFCO has said that the employees had to sleep outside on Saturday night after protestors disconnected electricity to the accommodation block in MIFCO factory in Addu City.

MIFCO said that the protestors also broke into the staff canteen and used the food supply in the place.

MIFCO added that although power was restored after requesting from police, the power was once again shut down for the best interest of the factory, the staff, and the property.

MIFCO said the fishermen demanded for the release of the pending payment at the earliest, adding that the power cut was also demanded by the fishermen.

The company released MVR 46 million to fishermen during Eid al-Fitr.

"At that time, we told the media that we will look into the modalities for clearing pending payments in the opening week and will take a decision in consultation with the government, so we are trying to release the money that has not been recovered so far to the auditors at the earliest," MIFCO said in a statement.

MIFCO said its appeal was to ensure that the protests by the fishermen were carried out as peacefully as possible.

"In particular, the losses to the company's assets and employees will be a disgrace to the industry as a whole. We urge everyone not to do things that violate the human dignity and essential needs of the employees," MIFCO said in a statement.

MIFCO said that the company will continue to work with the authorities to ensure that the employees are satisfied.