On a day when pro-Tamil parties and outfits were worked up over the proposed visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India, DMK chief M Karunanidhi released a copy of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s letter, which stated that she shared his concerns on the fate of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Responding to Karunanidhi’s missive in her capacity as chairperson of the National Advisory Council on January 30, Sonia said: “I share your concerns regarding the disturbing developments vis-a-vis the Tamils. I shall take up the matter with the Minister of External Affairs (Salman Khurshid).”
Karunanidhi released the letter after a meeting of the Tamil Eelam Supporters’ Organisation (TESO), which decided to stage a protest wearing black cloth here on Friday against Rajapaksa’s visit. As if on cue, MDMK chief Vaiko promptly rubbished DMK leader’s statements as empty noises and dared Karunanidhi to quit UPA on the Rajapaksa row.
In its strong resolution, the TESO said: “Tamils here (Tamil Nadu) will never accept the visit of Rajapaksa whose government is trying to totally wipe out the race from the island nation.” It added that in the name of hospitality, the Centre should not encourage the visit of Rajapaksa.
The outfit also said India should not only support a resolution the US intends to bring before the UN Human Rights Council next month, but articulate a strong, unambiguous position on it.
Meanwhile, Vaiko accused DMK of being party to the Centre’s indifference to the Lankan Tamil genocide in 2009 during the final stages of Eelam War IV. Despite severe protests, the UPA has, for the third time, allowed Rajapaksa to visit India. Moreover, the man who has been accused of demolishing hundreds of Hindu temples is also planned to visit the Tirumala temple. “I challenge the DMK. Are they willing to quit the UPA if it does not stop entry of Rajapaksa?” asked Vaiko and added that statements of Karunanidhi on the Tamil issue were of no use.
Vaiko said he would gherao the Premier’s house in New Delhi on the day Rajapaksa visits India. Another contingent of the party will show black flags to the Sri Lankan president if he came to Tirupati.