The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Concern over situation in Sri Lanka

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Friday, Dec 08, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Concern over situation in Sri Lanka

Special Correspondent

Not my intention to duck issue: Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Thursday said that the Assembly expressed concern over aggravation of the situation in Sri Lanka causing insecurity to lives and properties of the Tamils. The House also appealed to the Centre to make appropriate efforts to end the agony of the island Tamils and enable them to acquire all rights and live in peace he added.

Responding to issues raised by members including leader of the Pattali Makkal Katchi, G.K. Mani, Congress Legislature Party leader D. Sudarssanam and leader of the Communist Party of India V. Sivapunniam regarding the plight of the island Tamils, the Chief Minister said his remarks could be taken as a resolution of the House.

Sonia briefed

Mr. Karunanidhi made it clear that it was not his intention to duck the issue, leaving the Sri Lankan Tamils in the lurch. Even during his recent visit to New Delhi, he apprised the Congress president Sonia Gandhi of the feelings of Tamil Nadu. He was duty bound to convey the feelings of the people during subsequent opportunities too. Various sections, including students, teachers, lawyers, artists, writers, workers and politicians, were expressing their feelings on the Sri Lankan Tamils' issue day in and day out, he said. The Centre was aware of this. When Central Government officials, including the Foreign Secretary, met him, he had explained to them the ground situation in detail.

"Same goal"

On Mr. Mani's demand to pass a resolution on the issue, Mr. Karunanidhi said though the goal of all political parties to resolve the Sri Lankan Tamils' issue was the same, their approach to solving it was different. "We are in power now. If you ask us to step down tomorrow, we are prepared to do so, if it can help to achieve Tamil Eelam. But if there is no fruitful outcome, why should we resign? If we step down, that may be beneficial for some persons. They may even think it is a good riddance. So, we have to give a deep thought to evolving a right strategy... " he said.

Mr. Mani said the Centre was not paying enough attention to the island Tamils' issue.

Recalling concerted efforts made by the Government of India to help the Tamils, Mr. Sudarssanam cautioned against chauvinistic forces trying to draw political mileage in the name of supporting the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils. Congress Member Hussan Ali stressed the need for finding an amicable solution against the backdrop of a large number of refugees coming to the State and the fishermen of Tamil Nadu facing problems when they set out to sea for fishing between Rameswaram and Katchateevu.

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