Tamilnadu

The Polit Bureau expresses its deep concern at the continuing arrests and detention in Sri Lanka of fishermen from Tamilnadu. At present there are 210 fishermen and their 70 boats in Sri Lankan custody. The Central Government should immediately intervene to secure the release of the fishermen. The problems faced by the fishermen of both countries and the crossing of maritime boundaries have to be discussed and settled. This requires a concerted effort by holding talks between representatives of fishermen of both countries and the two governments.

These types of accidents have been recurring in Sivakasi. During the last twelve years 237 persons have lost their lives owing to fires in 88 firecracker manufacturing units in Sivakasi. The callous attitude of the government and the enforcement authorities are to blame for these accidents.

We have to maintain people to people relations and foster friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries. Whatever the differences and opposition that exists regarding the Sri Lankan government’s approach to the Tamil question in Sri Lanka, nothing should be done to disturb people to people relations.

The Polit Bureau requests the Central Government to declare the cyclone affected areas as “calamity hit areas” under the purview of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The Central Government should immediately take steps to provide funds for the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The Polit Bureau stresses the necessity for the Central government to intervene and see that steps are taken to ensure the safety of the dam. The Prime Minister himself should take the initiative with both state governments for this. This is required pending the final decision by the Supreme Court.

The Mullaperiyar dam issue is being considered by the Supreme Court which appointed an empowered committee to enquire into the various aspects of the problems. The Supreme Court should expedite the process and come to an early judgement on the matter. Till then, the Central government should intervene and decide on the immediate measures that are required to ensure the safety of the dam, in consultation with the Kerala and Tamilnadu governments.

The CPI(M) accepts the verdict of the people. The Party will analyse the results carefully and come to proper conclusions about the electoral reverse. After the Left Front being in office for a record 34 years continuously, the people have opted for a change. The TMC-led combine has been the beneficiary of this change.