Coast Guard intensifies patrolling

The Indian Coast Guard (CG) has intensified its patrolling along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Palk Straits in the wake of recent incidents of alleged firing by Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishing boats.

All political parties in Tamil Nadu wanted the Centre to take action against the 'indiscriminate firing' by Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen.

At least four fishermen were killed in such firings in the last fortnight.

The Coast Guard on Thursday handed over five Sri Lankan fishermen who were apprehended by them near Krishnapattinam coast on June 21 for poaching into Indian waters.

The fishermen along with the boat were handed over to the Sri Lankan Navy today with the island government requesting their repatriation, the release added.

Meanwhile the MDMK, an ally of the main Opposition AIADMK, will hold a day-long fast at Rameswaram on July 27 condemning the killing of innocent Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The fast, to be presided over by MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, was an effort to mobilise people's support to condemn the Union Government for its failure to take steps to prevent such incidents.

The fast would be inaugurated by Party Treasurer M Kannappan.

Observing the killing of fishermen inside the Indian territory had become the order of the day, Mr Vaiko, in a statement here said the Congress-led UPA Government Centre and its allies should take responsibility for such incidents.

He alleged that the direct and indirect support given to Sri Lanka by the Indian Government had emboldened the Lankan Navy to indulge in such attacks.

Mr Vaiko appealed to the MDMK workers to turn up in large numbers for the fast.