Fisherman killing: Jayalalithaa takes on Centre, demands PM's resignation

Pushpavanam, Jan 26 (ANI): All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo J Jayalalithaa took on the Central Government over the recent killing of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy, asserting that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh should step down from his post if he is not able to take any appropriate step.

"The Central government should act and issue a stern warning to Sri Lanka in such a manner that Lanka does not kill our fishermen again. The central government is weak and the PM has been ineffective in this issue. If he does not know what to do in such a situation he should step down," said Jayalalithaa.

The AIADMK chief had earlier in the week pulled up her rival and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi over the issue saying that he just 'watching' the killing of the fishermen and 'not acting'.

"Such attacks have become routine and this is mainly due to the fact that Indian Government had failed to issue a stern warning to Sri Lanka," she said.

Karunanidhi had earlier sent a telegram to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, demanding his immediate intervention in stopping the killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy.

"Atrocities of Lankan navy are continuing unabated in spite of repeated assurances. This incident may be taken with Lankan Government for immediate action against those responsible for shooting and killing. Your personal intervention is requested for firm action to end such killings," said Karunanidhi in his telegram.

A fisherman from Tamil Nadu was killed on January 12 and another injured after the Sri Lankan navy opened fire on them at sea near the Tamil Nadu coast.

The fishermen belong to a village in Pudukottai, about 350 kilometres from Chennai. (ANI)