Advice Lanka to refrain from attacking fishermen: Karuna to PM

New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) Against the backdrop offrequent attacks against Indian fishermen allegedly by the SriLankan navy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi todayasked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to advise Colombo in"strong terms" to refrain from such "uncalled for attacks".

Karunanidhi, who arrived here on a three-day visityesterday, met Singh at his 7, Race Course Road residence andtook up the issue of recent "brutal attacks" by the Sri LankanNavy on fishermen from Tamil Nadu.

He also told the Prime Minister that the presence ofNavy and Coast Guard along the International Maritime borderbetween India and Sri Lanka should be strengthened to avoidrecurrence of such incidents.

"During the meeting with the Prime Minister, the ChiefMinister raised the need to advise the Sri Lankan Governmentin strong terms to refrain from such uncalled for attacks," anofficial statement from the Chief Minister�s Office said.

Sharing the concerns of the Tamil Nadu Government onthe issue, Singh said he has directed External AffairsMinister S M Krishna to depute a high-level delegation to SriLanka to "personally convey our serious concern" to the SriLankan Government.

"Accordingly, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is inColombo today," the release said.

Singh also assured Karunanidhi that he would speak toDefence Minister A K Antony on the issue of strengthening theNavy and Coast Guard along the Indo-Sri Lanka maritime border.

The meeting between Singh and Karunanidhi comesagainst the backdrop of two fishermen from Tamil Nadu beingkilled allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy after theyinadvertently crossed into the Sri Lankan waters.

Opposition AIADMK has been accusing the Centre andState Governments of failing to send a stern warning toColombo. .