The All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa has called upon the coastal communities, specifically the fisherfolk, to give a mandate that would guarantee security and safety for their lot in the forthcoming elections.
Ms. Jayalalithaa was here to condole the family of the fisherman killed in the Sri Lankan Naval attack a week ago, here at Pushpavanam in Nagapattinam on Wednesday.
A country with considerable military might – with a strong Navy, Army and Air Force – and often touted as a power to reckon with in Asia was subject to persistent attacks by a small island nation, she said addressing media persons here. Such ‘audacious’ attacks by Sri Lanka could only be attributed to a ‘weak Centre and the State,’ in India. She charge Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi of being concerned about “furthering the interests of the family” at the cost of governance.
Reiterating her position on Katchatheevu, the AIADMK chief termed the ceding of the island to Sri Lanka, under the 1974 accord, ultra-vires of the Constitution and therefore illegal. “The gifting away of the island in Palk Strait to Sri Lanka was never ratified by the Parliament. My petition seeking annulment of the transfer is pending with the Supreme Court,” Ms. Jayalalitha said.
Hearing out the bereaved family of Jayakumar, the AIADMK Chief handed over a solatium of Rs.1 lakh to the wife of the victim. Also, on behalf of the AIADMK, Ms. Jayalalitha promised assistance for the education of his two young daughters (six months old and two years old). ‘We are aware that the compensation can never fully offset the loss of the family. However, education of the two young girls would be taken care of by the party,” Ms. Jayalalitha said.
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