From correspondents in Tamil Nadu, India, 07:02 PM IST

With Indian fishermen repeatedly being attacked by the Sri Lankan Navy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Thursday said the ruling DMK is ready to move a resolution in the assembly to retrieve an island given to Sri Lanka more than three decades ago.

Karunanidhi was replying to demands by legislators, cutting across party lines, for effective steps for the safety of the fishermen.

Katchatheevu island was given to Sri Lanka in 1974 under the terms that Indian fishermen will have access to the island and the nearby waters. Karunanidhi said he will move a resolution for retrieval of Katchatheevu provided all the political parties support it is ready to move a resolution it.

He said DMK never supported handing over of Katchatheevu and has walked out of parliament several times in the past on the

(Staff Writer, © IANS)