MPs urge PM to reach an understanding with Pak on fishermen

New DelhI, Mar 9 (UNI) A delegation of Gujarat MPs led by Leader of the Opposition L K Advani today called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging him to work out a Indo-Sri Lanka type of arrangement with Pakistan to end the problems of Gujarati fishermen often languishing in Pakistani jails with their boats confiscated.

The Gujarat MPs told the PM that India had a similar problems with Sri Lanka in Palk Strait and in the Gulf of Mannar region in the Indian Ocean in the past. After India entered into an agreement with that country in 1974, things had become alright.

Dr Singh should work for a simliar type of Agreement with the Pakistan and make them recognize traditional rights of fishermen, they said.

The delegation also protested against reduction in the allocated share of Central power to Gujarat and allocation of gas for Pipavav Power Project.

The memorandum said that the Centre has reduced 221 MW from unallocated quota meant for Gujarat and diverted its original share to Maharashtra and Dadra&Nagar Haveli which was against the principles of fairness and justice.

The MPs urged him to allocate gas for 615 MW gas based power project at Pipavav and reminded him that the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's 1989 announcement promising Mid-Tapti/Tapti gas for Pipavav. The Centre for some reasons had not honoured its commitment, they added.

Dr Singh on his part told the delegation that he would ensure that no injustice is caused to the people of Gujarat.

The signatories to the memorandum included former Gujarat Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, and political leaders like Kashiram Rana, Jayantilal Barot, P S Gadhavi, B S Solanki, Ratilal Verma, Dr Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Mahesh Kanodia, Dr A K Patel, K Jana Krishnamurthy, Suryakant Acharya, Rajendrasinh Rana, Babubhai Katara Mansukhbhai Vasava and Lekhraj Bachani.

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