Karunanidhi to PM: Act against Sri Lanka for fisherman’s killing

CHENNAI - Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Thursday sent a telegram to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding stern action against the killing of an Indian fisherman, Veerapandian, by the Sri Lankan Navy the day before.

Karunanidhi said in his telegram: “The atrocities of the Srilankan Navy are continuing unabated, in spite of repeated assurances given by both Government of India as well as Srilankan Government. This particular incident may be taken up with the Government of Srilanka for immediate action against those responsible for shooting and killing. Your personal intervention is requested for firm action to put an end to such killings.”

The killing of Veerapandian Wednesday evening was raised in the state assembly as well.

Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said in the assembly that the killings continued despite the state government taking up the matter with New Delhi, which in turn took up the matter with Sri Lanka.

Stalin was responding to a calling attention motion, which was moved by various parties, including the AIADMK, Congress, PMK, MDMK, VCK, Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)

He said the government had announced compensation of Rs.500,000 to the family of the fisherman, who was shot dead, and the amount would be paid by Thursday evening.

According to him, Veerapandian and four others hailing from Nagapattinam district were fishing about 15 nautical miles Wednesday evening when the Sri Lankan navy boat opened fire at them.

Veerapandian was injured in the shooting and he was taken to shore and then to a hospital.

Around 100 fishermen staged a demonstration on the East Coast Road demanding action.

Stalin said the fishermen called off their agitation as officials of the district administration and fisheries department held talks with the protestors and promised compensation of Rs.500,000 and a government job for Veerapandian’s sister.