India’s Paattali Makkal Katchi on Monday alleged Centre was not paying heed to the concerns of Tamil Nadu on the issue of arrest of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan navy and suggested that Chief Minister Jayalalithaa lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minster Manmohan Singh to press for a solution.
Referring to the recent arrest of around 140 fishermen, besides some 200 of them languishing in Sri Lankan jails, party founder S. Ramadoss said Ms. Jayalalithaa had written to Prime Minister 35 times on this matter but it was of “no use.”
“Tamil Nadu government should take all steps for release of the arrested fishermen and recovery of boats. Since Central government is paying no heed to the voices from Tamil Nadu on this matter, Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalithaa should lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and press for a permanent solution,” he said.
An entire community was affected by Sri Lankan navy’s actions, which include arrest of fishermen and detention of boats captured by it, he added.
In a statement, he also pointed out that fishermen of various hamlets were on an indefinite fast to protest the arrest of 107 fishermen by the Lankan Navy on December 11. - PTI
