Chennai, Feb 27 (UNI) Expressing concern over the increasing attacks on Indian fishermen by the Lankan Navy in the high seas, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa today criticised the Centre and the state government for their lethargic attitude on the issue.

In a statement released here, she said both the central and the state governments were adopting a ''lethargic'' attitude towards the sufferings of fishermen of the state, who were subjected to frequent attacks from the Lankan Navy.

It was the duty of the state government to protect the fishermen, who were venturing into the sea for their livelihood, she said and alleged that the ruling DMK government in the state had failed to take up the issue with the Centre.

Condemning yesterday's killing of a fishermen, Kaliyaperumal, from Nagapattinam by the Lankan Navy, she said this was the second such incident this month.

In fact the two sons of Kaliyaperumal were also shot dead by the Lankan Navy during the erstwhile DMK regime, she claimed.

Expressing her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Ms Jayalalithaa announced a financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to Kaliyaperumal's family on behalf of her party.

UNI