Snap diplomatic ties with Lanka on fishermen:Vaiko

Rameswaram, Tamilnadu, Jul 27 (UNI) Firebrand politician and Founder of Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK) Vaiko today urged the Indian Government to severe diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka if the island nation failed to implement the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord on Katchatheevu Island.

Winding up a day-long fast to condemn the killing of innocent Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan Navy, near the Rameswaram Bus Stand here this evening Vaiko said the fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen were denied by the Lankan Navy, though it was agreed in the pact.

Alleging that the indiscriminate attacks by the Lankan Navy was result of the 'carelessness' of the Indian Government, he said both the government and Indian Navy should be held responsible for the attacks.

''The navy, which is assigned to protect our people, is merely witnessing the Sri Lankan Navy attacks. Similarly, our Naval officers, who have been on a visit to Sri Lanka, did not take up the issue.

''Instead they enjoyed the banquet hosted by the Sri Lankan Government,'' he charged.

Stating that the retrieval of Katchatheevu Island only would pave way for finding a permanent solution to the fishermen issue, he said the 'day is not far for retrieving the Island from Sri Lanka.' He termed the recent fast organised by the ruling DMK to condemn the killing of Tamil Nadu fishermen as 'drama.' Vaiko said though Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had good influence in the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, he (Mr Karunanidhi) had failed to take up the issue with the Centre to find a permanent solution to the issue.

''If our fishermen retaliate, then the Indian Government has to face the consequences,'' he warned.

More than 2,000 MDMK men observed the day-long fast under the leadership of Mr Vaiko.

UNI GSM GT KP1913