DMK to stage protest in Chennai today

The DMK leader also said he has sought an appointment with Governor Banwarilal Purohit to take up the issue.

Speaking to reporters here, he claimed different figures were being given by various officials in the state government and Ministers on the number of fishermen missing since the cyclone hit Kanniyakumari recently, especially affecting the fishermen community.

Scores of them who had ventured into the sea for fishing prior to the cyclone are yet to return, according to their families and relatives.

“The Centre and state governments are ignorant in conducting survey (of missing fishermen). I have been insisting that only if Kanniyakumari is declared as a disaster affected district can due steps (to address problems) be taken,” the DMK leader said.

“DMK Fishermen’s Wing will stage a massive agitation here tomorrow pressing the Centre and the state government to expedite rescue of missing fishermen,” Stalin said adding he will lead the protest. Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said he had sought an appointment with the Governor to discuss “fishermen’s issues.”

Since the Governor was not in town, an appointment was likely on Wednesday, he added.