Expressing concern over the death penalty given by a Sri Lankan court to five Tamil Nadu fishermen, former Union Minister G.K. Vasan said the Centre should find a permanent solution to the issue without any delay and bring the fishermen back home.
Though the Narendra Modi government has been promising to change India for the good on very many fronts, there has not been any significant progress even four months after its coming to power.
Critical issues such as those concerning the fishermen have not been resolved. As a result, the livelihood of the fishermen has gone bleak.
On the law and order front in Tamil Nadu, he said crimes are on the rise.
Media reports are alarming as robberies and murders are happening every day. Stern action should be taken by the police , Mr. Vasan told reporters at the airport here on Saturday.
Mr. Vasan was accorded a rousing reception on arrival by his supporters here as it was his maiden visit to the city after announcing his new party.
Asked to comment on the demand made by DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin to convene the Assembly to discuss about the lawlessness in the State, the fishermen issue, etc., Mr. Vasan said it was the government’s responsibility to protect the common man. The government should bring back the five fishermen because the cases had been foisted on them.
On the critical remarks made by some Opposition parties on the functioning of the State government and Chief Minister O. Paneerselvam, Mr. Vasan preferred to be guarded on his response.
He said every party would be looked at as an opponent. “The new outfit, under my leadership, will focus on people’s issues — be it in a remote hamlet or urban location.”
The name of the party and its policies will be announced at a conference in Tiruchi by this month end, Mr. Vasan said.The exact date will be announced in about a week. “The process of getting things formalised with the appropriate authorities is under way,” he said.
The new party will focus on giving a clear direction to the youth of the State. Initial feedback from a cross-section of people during the last four or five days has been encouraging, Mr. Vasan said.
