CHENNAI: Except China, all the major countries in the world are supporting the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils, said Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, while releasing the Tamil version of the Congress’ election manifesto, here on Sunday.
Ravi said the United Kingdom and the United States had lobbied for the island Tamils whereas China opposed India’s efforts for a negotiated settlement on the Lankan problem that had been defying all possible solutions so far.
The union minister deplored the handling of the Tamils issue by the Lankan Government, revelling in the support from China, which had also tried to veto against India in the UN Security Council, thwarting its move for creating a worldwide opinion towards ending the island conflict.
“We have used all our diplomatic channels for bringing about a ceasefire in Lanka, ‘’ he said and added that India had started fresh moves for safeguarding the lives of the innocent Tamils in Lanka.
The union minister stated that the Congress manifesto focused on food security in the country whereby all card holders would be given 25 kg of rice or wheat every month at Rs 3 per kg through a legislation.
Another important feature of the manifesto pertained to the rural employment guarantee scheme, to safeguard the social security of an individual, he explained.
He also said in the 60 years of India’s freedom, the Congress-led UPA gave its progress report every year by making clear its achievements.
TNCC president K V Thangkabalu said the UPA would be voted again to power based on its achievements in the last five years. He wanted all Tamil groups in the State to come together and support the cause of Lankan Tamils and strengthen the hands of India towards finding a solution to the ethnic problem.
SONIA VISIT: Thangkabalu said that AICC leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would visit Tamil Nadu in the first week of May to campaign for the DPA candidates contesting the Lok Sabha seats. He also said the Congress enjoyed the support of the DMK, VCK and Muslim League in the state and that they would score a major victory in the elections.