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Assembly unanimous in seeking ceasefire

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday adopted a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to exert pressure on Sri Lanka for an immediate ceasefire in the island and to take steps for ensuring permanent peace in the Tamil areas of the island.

The Government-sponsored resolution was supported by members belonging to various political parties who expressed their concern over the sufferings of the Tamils.

The resolution said the ceasefire in the island should be binding on both the parties. Already one party had expressed its readiness to adhere to ceasefire. At this juncture, the Sri Lankan Government should suspend the war to facilitate a dialogue between the two parties.

The Assembly stressed the need for the Sri Lankan Government to undertake steps to find a political solution. Concluding the discussion on the motion, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi appealed to all political parties in the State to sink their differences in espousing the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils. Political parties here should not indulge in the blame game over the issue, as it was their duty to show to the world that they were all united on the Sri Lankan issue.

The resolution, the Chief Minister said, was the outcome of the emotion of Tamils throughout the world and he was confident that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi would understand the feelings of the people and take steps for a ceasefire in the island.

The Chief Minister said except ceasefire all the other features mentioned in the resolution adopted by an all-party meeting convened recently by the Government had been implemented for which he was thankful to the Centre. He hoped that the resolution adopted by the House did not remain just a dream but would move further in creating an atmosphere in the island where the Tamils lived peacefully.

O. Paneerselvam (AIADMK) said there was no difference of opinion among the political parties here in finding a political solution to the issue.

S. Peter Alphonse (Congress) said it was his party which brought the Sri Lankan Tamils issue to the world focus.

G.K. Mani, (PMK) said there were enough grounds for intervention on the Tamils issue through the framework of United Nations. V. Sivapunniyam (CPI) said the Sri Lankan government had not heeded the counsel of international community.

K. Balabharathy (CPI-M) said the offensive on innocent Tamils should be brought to an end immediately.

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