DMK questions PM Modi's silence on fishermen issue during Colombo visit

Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of 10,000 houses for Indian origin Tamils in Sri Lanka, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (DMK) on Saturday raised doubts on the steps initiated by the former to redress issues of Tamil fishermen in his two-day visit to Colombo.

"Tamil fishermen have been shot at and a lot of them were killed and the seizure of their boats has become a routine aspect of the Sri Lankan Navy. If the Prime Minister can find a permanent solution to the fishermen problem, I think that will be a very big relief," DMK leader Sarvanan told ANI.

Yesterday, Prime Mnister Modi announced construction of additional 10,000 houses in upcountry areas and the extension of Emergency Ambulance Service for Tamils.

Prime Minister Modi assured Tamils that the government and people of India are with them in their journey towards peace and greater prosperity.

He also announced a series of sops for the Sri Lankans like setting up of vocational training centres, ten engineering training centres and labs to impart suitable skills, computer and science labs in plantation schools.

Prime Minister Modi was hailed by a mammoth crowd when he referred to their leaders like Saumiyamurthy Thondaman and appreciated their bid to keep the social fabric of the beautiful nation intact.