Date:02/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/02/stories/2006090219770600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

"It's state-sponsored terror in Sri Lanka"

Special Correspondent

Says only solution is formation of a separate `Tamil Eelam'

EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY: MDMK cadres taking out a rally in Chennai on Friday, protesting against the killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka. — Photo: M. Vedhan

CHENNAI : The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) always stood for unity and integrity of the country and its support to Lankan Tamils was for their fight against the "state-sponsored terrorism" unleashed on them, said the party's general secretary, Vaiko, here on Friday.

Addressing partymen at the end of a rally taken out in support of Sri Lankan Tamils here, Mr.Vaiko said that there was misconception in certain quarters that formation of "separate Eelam" would lead to a demand for a separate Tamil Nadu. A similar "misconception" prevailed when Bangladesh was formed, which later proved to be wrong.

The MDMK leader said Sri Lankan Tamils were forced to take to arms as all their efforts to find a peaceful solution to the ethnic issue failed. Any solution to the issue should be decided only by the Tamils living there and it should not imposed on them by outside forces.

The only solution, he said, was the formation of a separate "Tamil Eelam."

Pazha. Nedumaran of the Tamil Nationalist Movement said in this crucial hour Tamils throughout the world should support the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Earlier, party volunteers took out the rally from the Munroe statute to State Guest House here.