Date:25/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102556581400.htm

National

Karunanidhi lauds Centre’s steps

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said on Friday that the confidence reposed in the Union government that it would take appropriate steps on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue had not gone in vain.

Referring to the resolutions adopted at an all-party meeting on October 14 on the issue, Mr. Karunanidhi, in a statement, recalled that these had been sent to those concerned.

Prior to the public meeting conducted by his party on October 6 at Mylapore here, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke to him over the phone.

Mr. Karunanidhi said he had impressed upon Dr. Singh the need to express the country’s condemnation of the attacks on innocent Tamils, bring to an end the Sri Lankan government’s military offensive, resume peace talks and ensure that no hardship was caused to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Karunanidhi said, had assured him of prompt action. The same day, the National Security Adviser had conveyed to Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner India’s concern and unhappiness at the growing casualties of unarmed Tamil civilians as a result of military action.

Citing the Prime Minister’s interview to the media on October 14 and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s statement a couple of days later, the Chief Minister said Dr. Singh’s interview had shown how supportive and dedicated was he to the cause. Also, the two instances had increased the level of confidence in the Central government.

Mr. Karunanidhi adverted to reports on Dr. Singh’s telephonic conversation with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in which he had reiterated India’s position on the issue and stressed the need for distribution of relief material to the affected Tamils.

He also referred to Mr. Mukherjee’s statement in Parliament on Thursday. All these had shown their concern for the welfare of the Tamils and desire to implement the all-party meeting’s resolutions. Still, one could not conclude that these measures alone would produce a satisfactory outcome. People should feel confident that there would be equality among the Sri Lankan people including Tamils and prevalence of humanism, he said, explaining the rationale behind the “human chain” event.