Expressing shock and concern over the Sri Lankan Government’s reported plan to set up a watch tower and a naval base at the Katchatheevu Island in Palk Straits in the middle of India and Sri Lanka, which was ceded to the latter in 1974, as well as the continued attacks on fishermen, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Tuesday shot off a letter

to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging him to impress upon the Lankan Government not to violate diplomatic

decisions and stop harassing fishermen.

In the letter, Karunanidhi pointed out that despite the war against the rebel LTTE —that once put the Tamil fishermen in the crossfire — coming to an end, the Lankan Navy was continuing its attacks on fishermen and as recently as on Monday a boat had been sunk and another badly damaged. “The incidents have really shaken the Rameshwaram fishermen and created a sense of insecurity, helplessness and frustration among them,” said the Chief Minister in his letter.

“It is shocking to know the new developments taking place near Katchatheevu,” added Karunanidhi.