Centre’s stand cruel, says Jalestine’s family

KOLLAM: The family of the deceased fisherman Valentine Jalestine and Kollam diocese termed the Central Government affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that the Kerala Police had no right to conduct investigations into the killing of fishermen, as ‘cruel’.
Expressing his surprise at the ‘U-turn’ taken by the Central Government on the issue, Jalestine’s son, Derrick Valentine said that he was not able digest the stand taken by the Centre, which had earlier pledged support to the State Government.
"It is cruel of the Central Government. If such is the government stand, it would save the accused marines from the law,” he said.
Doramma, wife of Jalestine, said that it was the government’s duty to punish the guilty. “The Central Government has clear idea about the crime that has occurred.”
The Kollam Diocese too has condemned the Centre’s stand. Diocese spokesperson Fr George Rebeiro said that such an affidavit was not expected at this crucial juncture.