Thaindian News

Chennai, July 8 (IANS) Condemning the killing of an Indian fisherman by the Sri Lankan Navy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Thursday urged the central government to take stern action to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
“I urge the central government to intervene immediately and take stern action to ensure such atrocities do not take place and full factual information about this incident is made available to the people of Tamil Nadu,” Karunanidhi said, according to a statement issued here.

Eight Indian fishermen, belonging to Vellakuppam village near Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district, around 350 km from here, were fishing in two boats when the Sri Lankan naval personnel boarded one of the boats and tried to seize the catch and the nets, a police officer said.

When the Indian fishermen protested, the Sri Lankan navy personnel attacked them, killing Chellappan and injuring seven others, the officer added.

“Chellappan got killed in that attack and clothes of some more fishermen were removed and they were tortured,” Karunanidhi said.

He noted that even though several appeals have been made by the Tamil Nadu government to the prime minister and the ministers concerned through letters as well as in person, “such tragic incidents have not stopped”.

“Whenever such incidents take place, we appeal to the union government and they in turn make an appeal or write to the Sri Lankan government as a measure to placate us; however such incidents recur again and again which is condemnable,” he added.

He noted that recently the plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen was discussed in detail between the two countries’ government and and it was decided that even if the fishermen cross the sea border, the Sri Lankan Navy should not attack or kill them and action can be taken only as per procedure.

Karunanidhi also ordered the payment of Rs.300,000 as solatium to Chellappan’s family from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.