PEP TALK: MDMK general secretary Vaiko addressing district secretaries of the party in Chennai on Thursday. — Photo: M. Vedhan

CHENNAI: The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) will continue its support to the United Progressive Alliance Government, despite differences over the Sri Lanka Tamils' issue, party general secretary Vaiko said on Thursday.

Briefing newsmen on the resolutions adopted at a meeting of MDMK functionaries, including district secretaries and members of political advisory committee, Mr.Vaiko told reporters here that the party would observe a dawn-to-dusk fast in New Delhi on November 27 to highlight the plight of suffering Tamils of the island, besides protesting against the proposed visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India.

"Genocide of Tamils"

Despite denial of police permission, the MDMK would take out a procession from Nageshwara Rao Park and stage a demonstration on T.T.K. Road in Chennai on Friday to flay the "genocide of Tamils" in Sri Lanka. He said the party activists would stage the protest without giving room for violence.

To a query, he said the relief materials being sent by the Government of India to the island should reach the suffering Tamils. This could be ensured only if the distribution was entrusted to the International Red Cross Society.

Criticises Centre

Mr.Vaiko criticised the UPA Government for not condemning the killing of Tamils by the Sri Lankan army. He cautioned the Government against training Sri Lankan Air Force personnel to fly MIG aircraft.

He denied that the MDMK would withdraw its support to the UPA Government in view of his criticism against its policies with regard to the Sri Lanka Tamils' issue and some economic policies such as acquiring farmland for setting up special economic zones. "In that case, the Left parties would have withdrawn their support [to the Government] long ago," he said. "Normally we do not threaten anybody."

On the Mullaperiyar issue, Mr.Vaiko urged the State Government not to compromise on the stand that the water level should be raised to 142 feet. The MDMK would intensify its campaign to create awareness among the people on the need to save democracy against the backdrop of "violence and irregularities" committed during the local body elections and the "growing authoritarian tendency" of the ruling party in the State.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail