BJP slams 'casual attitude' of Central Government towards fishermen deaths

Chennai, Jan 30(ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari on Sunday criticized the attitude of the Central Government against the killing of innocent fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Addressing the media in Chennai, Gadkari said: "It is very alarming to note that more than 500 fishermen have lost their lives in the bullets of Sri Lankan navy while fishing in the coastal water of Tamil Nadu. During this visit in Chennai it is noticed that there is sheathing anger in the fishing community."

"People of Tamil Nadu have expressed anguish over the reaction of the DMK (Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam Party) led government in the state and the casual attitude of the Congress led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government in the Centre," he added.

A fisherman was killed on January 22 after the Sri Lankan Navy fired at him, after his trawler allegedly entered into the territorial waters of the island nation.

New Delhi has condemned the killings and has taken up the matter with Colombo.

Similar incidents were reported last year when fishermen complained that the Sri Lankan Navy was attacking them at sea when they accidentally sailed inside Sri Lankan territorial waters. (ANI)