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Tamil Nadu house passes resolution on Sri Lankan Tamils |
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The Tamil Nadu Assembly Thursday adopted a resolution expressing deep concern over the conditions of Tamils in Sri Lanka who lacked 'protection to life and property'. State Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi moved the resolution, which said: 'This house is deeply concerned about the travails of the Tamils in Sri Lanka because of lack of protection to life and property. 'We request the central government to take necessary steps to alleviate the situation to the satisfaction of all concerned.'
The resolution was passed by a voice vote. Appealing for calm, the chief minister reiterated the commitment of his party Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) to the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils and said that 'If need be, I will undertake another trip (to New Delhi) to brief the Central government'. 'But it has to be understood by all', the DMK patriarch added, 'that the steps taken by the central government alone can remedy the situation in the island'. 'As responsible components of the UPA at the centre we can only appeal to the chairperson and the prime minister', Karunanidhi said. 'All of us will have to act concertedly to help our brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka and this can be done only by strengthening the hands of Prime Minister', he said. There were fiery speeches from the members of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and Dalit Panthers - two parties that are known to be sympathetic to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the rebel Tamil outfit in Sri Lanka.
More than 200,000 Tamils have been displaced since the 2002 ceasefire between the Sri Lankan armed forces and the LTTE began.
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