DMK chief M Karunanidhi today opposed the rise in fuel prices which came to effect since last night and asked whether the Centre was aware of the chain reaction it would create.
"I wonder whether those in power in the Centre, who repeatedly hike the prices of petrol and diesel are aware of the chain reaction it will create. This is the fifth hike in the last eight weeks," he said.
Holding that every opposition party in the country opposed whenever there was a hike in fuel price, he said, "But, I don't know whether those in power are worried about that or even listening to them. I don't know whether they are thinking on how to solve this issue."
Reacting to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa's reported reply to journalists yesterday that there was no change in his stand on the 13 Amendment of the Constitution despite India's insistence, he said, "This makes it clear that Sri Lankan government is acting with the attitude that they can do whatever they please."
The 13th Amendment is part of the Indo-Lanka accord of 1987 which seeks to give more powers to the provinces.
"The government of India should come forward and be concerned to protect the Sri Lankan Tamils," he said.
On yesterday's incident, in which 65 Indian fishermen were arrested by the Lankan Navy, he said, "We have been repeatedly informing the Centre about how Tamil fishermen are being affected. Despite their pressing the Sri Lankan government, they (Lankan govt) are only giving us excuses and there is no decline in the activities of the Lankan personnel."
A Sri Lankan naval spokesman had said yesterday that the fishermen were arrested for allegedly violating the international maritime border.
While 34 of them in five trawlers were arrested off the northern coast off Point Pedro, another 31 were arrested in the eastern coast off Mullaithivu along with four vessels.
