Date:12/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/12/stories/2009011254810600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Coimbatore

Vaiko’s call to save Sri Lankan Tamils

Staff Reporter

Coimbatore: The general secretary of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Vaiko, has called upon the international community to take note of the plight of the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Calling upon Tamils in other parts of the world to show concern for their brethren in Sri Lanka, he said here on Sunday the Tamils in the island nation were victims of a genocide that was being carried out in the name of war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Mr. Vaiko was speaking at “Vetri Sangoli – Chandran Zonal Conference” of the Lions Clubs International.

Citing instances in Indian mythology of kings ensuring justice to both human beings and animals, Mr.Vaiko said it was unfortunate that a particular race had no protection in a country.

It was unfortunate that this was happening in a world of many democratic countries where people were the actual rulers.

Mr.Vaiko asked the audience whether it was a sin to have been born a Tamil. Narrating incidents of atrocities on Sri Lankan Tamils he exhorted the world to wake up and ensure the right to life and dignity of the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Party’s Presidium Chairman, M. Kannappan, MLA; Lions Chandran Zonal chairman, A. Arjunraj; conference chairman, B.N. Rajendran; District Governor, A.S. Ravichandran; and District Vice-Governor, M. Velusamy spoke.