DMK cadre petition PM on continuing attacks on fishermen

KARAIKAL: DMK cadres from Karaikal district have sent hundreds of telegrams to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging him to take immediate steps to stop continuing attacks on Indian fishermen, allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy.

"Through repeated attacks, the Lankan Navy is posing a threat to the livelihood and survival of Indian fishermen. The Union Government should immediately intervene and take steps to stop the attacks," Karaikal South MLA A M H Nazeem said.

He pointed out that fishermen from Karaikal, an enclave of the union territory of Puducherry, had twice been attacked this week, including an incident when one of them was injured in firing in mid-sea.

Nazeem, also DMK convenor of Puducherry, said party cadres had sent hundreds of telegrams to the Prime Minister from Karaikal over this issue. "It is his duty to offer protection to the Indian fishermen," he said.

He pointed out that DMK Chief M Karunanidhi had also taken up the issue with the Centre and urged for immediate action.