Fishermen go on fast for Tsunami houses

Puducherry, May 1 (UNI) Fishermen from three villages here today observed a fast at Kalapet to press their demands.

Fishermen from-Periyakalapet, Chinnakalapet and Pillaichavady observed the fast to protest the alleged failure of the government to construct houses for the tsunami affected fishermen of the villages though the foundation stone was laid on August 27 last year.

PMK Parliamentary Party Leader M Ramadass, who adressed the fishermen, strongly criticised the Puducherry Government for it's ''failure'' to construct the houses.

He said after the Tsunami struck, Chief Minister N Rangasamy was quick enough to provide immediate relief which had to be hailed.

However, in the issue of constructing houses for the affected, the government failed which none will forgive.

Prof Ramadass said after the Tsunami, a representative of AICC President Sonia Gandhi visited the villages and assured houses for the affected would be constructed. Even Mr Rahul Gandhi had given the same assurance.

However, the houses were yet to be constructed and those at Moorthikuppam and Narambai were constructed by non governmental organisations.

Prof Ramadass said initially the Chief Minister had announced cash for the construction of houses would be given to the fishermen. This was not fulfilled, he said.

The government had adopted a divide and rule policy by stating that if houses were constructed, there will be communal problems.

However, there was no conflict between any community or religion and people were living in harmony, he added.

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