Date:15/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/15/stories/2008111557960100.htm

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Nations do not bomb their own people: Karunanidhi

Special Correspondent

Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should explain to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa that nations do not bomb their own people merely because there are terrorists in their midst, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has said.

Winding up a discussion on the Sri Lankan Tamils’ issue in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, he said that no country was immune from terrorism and every country had its share of terrorists. “Do these countries bomb their own people merely because there are terrorists in their midst,” he asked and said: “no.” Dr. Singh should explain this to Sri Lanka and Mr. Rajapaksa should heed this. All ways should be explored to save the Tamil race in the island nation. He did not rule out a non-violent agitation to save the Tamils.

To a demand from the Deputy Leader of the AIADMK O. Paneerselvam that the Ministers from Tamil Nadu at the Centre should resign, Mr. Karunanidhi said he and his party would be willing to give up positions of power for the Tamils’ cause.