PM urged for solid steps to prevent Lankan attack on fishermen

Chennai, Mar 31 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take urgent action to demonstrate the firmness of the Government to prevent recurring attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

In a demi-official letter to Dr Singh, a copy of which was released to the press here, he said the Centre's action should demonstrate the firmness of the Indian Government to find a lasting solution to this vexatious issue.

The Chief Minister also wanted the Centre to investigate into the incident to find out the identity of the attackers and their international connections.

He urged the Prime Minister to enhance the presence of Coast Guard and Navy for intensive sea and air patrolling with additional manpower and state-of-the art vessels and aircrafts.

''The entire sea patrolling of Tamil Nadu coast should be brought under one Single Command irrespective of East or West sea coast, as presently there was some confusion in this matter'', he said.

Expressing anguish over the killing of five fishermen from Kannyakumari by the Lankan Navy on March 29, Mr Karunanidhi said such cruel incidents continue to occur despite the Lankan Government's assurance at the highest level and also the presence of Coast Guard in the Indian EEZ.

''The entire fishermen community and the public in the coastal districts of the State are agitated. Unless some stern measures are taken by the Centre to make the Indian waters safe for fishing by the fishermen. The situation is likely to go out of control'', he cautioned.

UNI