DMDK leader meets PM on fishermen issue

DMDK leader and Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Vijaykanth today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought his intervention for resolution of the fishermen issue.
In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, he urged Singh to take up the fishermen issue with the Lankan Government to arrive at a settlement and review the accord with the neighbouring country, if necessary.
"If it is necessary to review 1974 accord, it can be taken up immediately at the highest level. It is internationally accepted, that if any treaty, when implemented, causes an irreparable damage to one of the parties, it can be reviewed by both the parties," he added.

The 1974 accord pertains to an agreement between India and Sri Lanka over Katchatheevu Islands.
Emerging from a 30-minute meeting with the Prime Minister, Vijaykanth, who was accompanied by party MLAs, told reporters that he had a detailed discussion with the Prime Minister on various issues concerning Tamil Nadu.
The Opposition leader questioned why Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has so far not met the Prime Minister over the issue.

"I have come here with my 21 MLAs for the welfare of Tamil Nadu. But why they are not calling on the Prime Minister in a similar fashion," he asked.
He also criticised the budget presented in the state assembly.

Asked about the response from the Prime Minister, the DMDK leader replied, "He (PM) said that the fishermen issue is being handled carefully as it involved Tamil fishermen from both the countries."
On his party's plans for an alliance in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, he refused to comment. "Why are you worried? My party will win and Tamil Nadu people will be peaceful," Vijaykanth replied.
The memorandum also drew the Prime Minister's attention to a variety of issues including unlawful sand mining, Cauvery and Mullaperiyar water disputes, service tax on rice and power sector.