Date:16/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101656531200.htm

National

Baalu hands over Karunanidhi’s letter to PM

J. Balaji

NEW DELHI: Union Shipping Minister and DMK parliamentary party leader T.R. Baalu on Wednesday apprised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee of the situation in Sri Lanka. He handed over to Dr. Singh a letter written by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi detailing an all-party resolution and action to be taken by the Centre to restore peace and protect the lives and livelihoods of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

The Tamil Nadu parties have set a two-week deadline for the Centre to protect Sri Lankan Tamils from the island nation’s Army. National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan was present at the meeting between Mr. Baalu and the Prime Minister here.

Mr. Baalu was also trying to get in touch with the Congress leadership.

Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said the United Progressive Alliance government had taken various steps at the highest level in Sri Lanka in the last few weeks. “We will continue to remain engaged with the Sri Lankan government and ensure that India’s concerns get reflected.” At the same time, he said, the Centre would ensure that its actions did not amount to interference in the sovereignty of the island nation.

It is learnt that the Congress MPs from Tamil Nadu may meet Dr. Singh in the next few days to apprise him of the urgent need to protect Sri Lankan Tamils.