Puducherry, Mar 5: Tamizhar Desiya Iyyakkam Leader Pazha Nedumaran urged the Centre to take immediate steps to protect Tamil Nadu fishermen from being attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy.

Addressing a public meeting here late last night, Mr Nedumaran said fishermen from Tamil Nadu had been frequently attacked by the Lankan Navy and it was a pity the Centre did not take any steps to prevent the island nation government from involving itself in such incidents.

Mr Nedumaran said he was also hurt by the fact that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had not taken any step to persuade the Centre to protect the fishermen belonging to the state.

Like his predecessor, he was only writing letters after the fishermen fell victims to the attacks, he claimed.

No less than 300 Tamil Nadu fishermen had already been killed by the Sri Lankan Navy since 1983, Mr Nedumaran alleged and called upon the fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and the people to show solidarity for the welfare of the fishermen.

He also appreciated the efforts taken by ''Meenava Viduthalai Vengaigal'' to collect food, medicines, clothes and cash for distribution to suffering Eelam Tamils.

UNI