ID :
14625
Sat, 08/02/2008 - 09:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/14625
The shortlink copeid
PM should discuss Kachatheevu with Lankan president: BJP
Rameswaram (TN), Aug 1 (PTI) Expressing concern over the recurring attacks on Indian fishermen in its southern state Tamil Nadu allegedly by Sri Lankan Navy, the opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (B.J.P.) Friday said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should discuss the issue with Lankan PresidentMahinda Rajapakse.
B.J.P. President Rajnath Singh Friday told reporters here that the 1974 Indo-Lanka agreement under which Kachatheevu, an uninhabited island, was ceded to Sri Lanka should beimplemented in letter and spirit.
As per the provisions of the agreement, the Indianfishermen were entitled to dry their nets in Kachatheevu.
Singh said that the PM should talk to Rajapakse 'boldlyand extensively' about the attacks on the fishermen.
Following the attacks, political parties including the ruling D.M.K., called for a review of the Kachatheevu Pact to enable Tamil Nadu fishermen to fish around the island in thePalk Straits without any fear of attacks.
On Sethusamudram project, the saffron party leader said he welcomed Supreme Court's suggestion to Centre to consider an alternative alignment for the project without damaging the'Ram Sethu'.
He said Centre had declined to declare 'Ram Sethu' as a national monument but B.J.P., if elected to power, would takeappropriate steps for it.
He also said Rail and Road services to Dhanushkodi, which were destroyed following a storm in 1964, would be restored ifthe B.J.P. was elected to power.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to discuss the issue of violence against TN fishermen with the island nation's President Rajapakse during the SAARC summit beginning in Colombo tomorrow. PTI Cor/SSN
B.J.P. President Rajnath Singh Friday told reporters here that the 1974 Indo-Lanka agreement under which Kachatheevu, an uninhabited island, was ceded to Sri Lanka should beimplemented in letter and spirit.
As per the provisions of the agreement, the Indianfishermen were entitled to dry their nets in Kachatheevu.
Singh said that the PM should talk to Rajapakse 'boldlyand extensively' about the attacks on the fishermen.
Following the attacks, political parties including the ruling D.M.K., called for a review of the Kachatheevu Pact to enable Tamil Nadu fishermen to fish around the island in thePalk Straits without any fear of attacks.
On Sethusamudram project, the saffron party leader said he welcomed Supreme Court's suggestion to Centre to consider an alternative alignment for the project without damaging the'Ram Sethu'.
He said Centre had declined to declare 'Ram Sethu' as a national monument but B.J.P., if elected to power, would takeappropriate steps for it.
He also said Rail and Road services to Dhanushkodi, which were destroyed following a storm in 1964, would be restored ifthe B.J.P. was elected to power.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to discuss the issue of violence against TN fishermen with the island nation's President Rajapakse during the SAARC summit beginning in Colombo tomorrow. PTI Cor/SSN
