 call to prevent attack on fishermen "Pin It")
Talks between India, Sri Lanka sought
The Communist Party of India (M) State secretary, G. Ramakrishnan, on Tuesday urged the Central and State governments to take immediate steps to prevent attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.
He was speaking to reporters here after presiding over a meeting to discuss the collection of fees by Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) for investigation and treatment. Mr. Ramakrishnan said it was unfortunate that the fishermen of Rameswaram and other areas are being harassed, attacked and ill-treated by the Sri Lankan Navy .
The Central and State governments must take immediate steps to find an amicable solution to the issue. The Navies of India and Sri Lanka should initiate immediate talks to prevent such attacks.
As regards recent raids on granite firms in Madurai, Mr. Ramakrishnan said there were reports that natural wealth of mines worth several thousand crores had been looted in Tamil Nadu over the years. A group of people had destroyed the natural wealth through illegal mining and amassed huge wealth. The CPI (M) would carry out intensive campaign on Friday and Saturday in various parts of the State demanding criminal action against all those who looted the wealth.
Taking exception to Union Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Officer V. Narayanasamy’s comment that the Computer and Auditor General of India (CAG) was acting beyond his limit, Mr. Ramakrishnan said the trend of accusing the CAG was not acceptable. He couldn’t be faulted for executing duties and responsibilities.
Mr. Ramakrishnan added that collecting fees for investigation and treatment from patients by JIPMER was against the basic right of people. The institution, which was established to provide free quality treatment to people, particularly the poor, should not function against the basic motive.
The CPI (M) would stage black flag demonstration against JIPMER on September 1 in Puducherry, Cuddalore and Villupuram protesting against the collection of fees for treatment.