CPI demands steps to solve Gangavaram issue

Hyderabad, May 7 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) today condemned the arrest of leaders who were fighting for the rights of Gangavaram fishermen and demanded that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy must take immediate steps to solve the issue.

CPI state unit secretary Dr K Narayana, in a statement here said the way the Government was treating the Gangavaram fishermen, affected by the proposed Gangavaram port, was uncalled for.

He said the state government announced a rehabilitation package for them without consulting other political parties and the affected fishermen. ''The state government should look into the aspect again,'' he pointed out.

Dr Narayana suggested the Chief Minister must hold talks with the Gangavaram fishermen and leaders of different political parties supporting the cause and take appropriate steps for the benefit of the fishermen.

He also demanded that the state government withdraw all the cases against those who were arrested while fighting for the cause of the fishermen.

UNI ASJ VV HS BD1618