Date:28/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/28/stories/2007122858550700.htm

Tamil Nadu

“Keep close watch on influx from Sri Lanka”

Special Correspondent

S.R. Balasubramoniyan

CHENNAI: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader S.R. Balasubramoniyan has urged the Tamil Nadu Government to keep a close watch on the influx of refugees from Sri Lanka since the members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam may land in the guise of refugees.

While reiterating that a negotiated political settlement was the only amicable solution to the ethnic strife in the island nation, Mr. Balasubramoniyan suggested formation of a youth commission to find new jobs for the younger generation who are being weaned away by such terrorist outfits.

Rain damage

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mr. Balasubramoniyan said, “It is the responsibility of the State Government to provide succour to the farming community in the delta region which has been the worst affected” by the recent rain.