DMK warns UPA on attacks against TN fishermen

24 January 2012 11:45 pm

CHENNAI: Lashing out at the Centre for continued attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by their Sri Lankan counterparts and the island nation's navy, key UPA coalition partner DMK warned yesterday that neither such incidents nor delay on the government's part to intervene can be tolerated.
 
In a strongly-worded statement, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi said the latest attack, where Sri Lankan fishermen hurled petrol bombs at Indian fishermen came days after External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna's visit to the island nation and assurances there will be no problems for Tamil Nadu fishermen.
 
"While his assurances have gone with the wind and attacks seem to be a continuing affair, people of Tamil Nadu have been forced to a situation which they cannot tolerate anymore.

 
"Before things take a turn for the worse, the Centre should intervene without delay. I warn neither the delay nor attacks by Sri Lankan fishermen and its Navy can be tolerated," he said.
 
The attack has the potential of 'provoking' the people of the state, he added.
 
In the latest attack, a fishing boat from Rameswaram was damaged after Sri Lankan fishermen allegedly hurled a petrol bomb at it near Katchatheevu in the Palk straits.

 
The boat's stern had caught fire in the attack on Tuesday night. The fishermen had alleged that earlier Sri Lankan naval personnel in the vicinity had asked them not to venture into Lankan territorial waters. (Source: PTI)