CHENNAI: The Communist Party of India on Monday urged the Centre to take action, at political and diplomatic levels, for facilitating resumption of peace talks between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Concern over conflict

Expressing concern that the present conflict was heading towards full-scale war, CPI national secretary D. Raja told reporters that the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE should adhere to the 2002 ceasefire agreement.

Call to international community

Deploring the recent attacks on civilians, he exhorted the international community to play a positive role in providing humanitarian assistance to the affected persons.

Asked about the need for the Democratic Progressive Alliance to adopt a coherent approach on the issue, he hoped that Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi would handle the situation in a "mature manner."

Mr. Raja urged the Centre to bring in the enabling legislation immediately, for implementing 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes in institutions of higher education.

Jeevanandam centenary

Noting that the centenary celebrations of Jeevanandam, an eminent leader of the communist movement, would be organised throughout the year, Mr. Raja said he was here to launch it. In recognition of his services in public life and areas such as literature, art and culture, a commemorative postal stamp should be brought out. The CPI proposed to bring out again the works of Jeevanandam.

On the nuclear energy issue, the CPI leader said the Centre should hold discussions with scientists on producing atomic energy, using thorium as the fuel in view of its abundant availability.

Greets Karunanidhi

Later, Mr. Raja called on Mr. Karunanidhi to greet him on completion of 100 days in office. He commended the DMK Government for fulfilling many electoral promises.

They also discussed the political situation.

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