Clarify move to supply naval warships to Lanka: CPI

CPI today asked the government to clarify its reported move to supply two naval warships to Sri Lanka to strengthen its capability to guard its maritime boundary.
Observing that the government has not contradicted reports that the warships built by a Goa-based defence public sector unit would be given to Sri Lanka, CPI National Secretary D Raja said the move was "highly condemnable".
"The move is highly condemnable because these warships are not going to be used against China or Pakistan. They will obviously be used against India and its fishermen in the name of guarding its maritime boundary," he said.

Seeking clarification from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the government's position on the issue, he said statements made by some ministers from Tamil Nadu have confirmed the reports.
Raja welcomed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's letter to the Prime Minister asking him to shelve such a "disastrous move".
The CPI leader said during UPA-I rule, when Left parties supported the government from outside, "government's move to enter into a defence agreement with Sri Lanka was disapproved and condemned by several parties including the Left.