CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Government today urged the Centre that the voluntary repatriation of displaced Tamil refugees could be "countenanced" after putting in place proper rehabilitation measures in Sri Lanka.
"The government is of the view that voluntary repatriation can be countenanced only after proper rehabilitation of internally displaced Sri Lankan Tamils,"
Governor K Rosiah said delivering his customary address to the state assembly session that began its sitting here.
"This government is committed to the peaceful, just and honourable resettlement of Sri Lankan Tamils Refugees and is of the view that the voluntary repatriation be taken up only after the autonomy and democratic rights of minority tamils are fully restored and sufficient economic and political measures taken to create a congenial atmoshphere for the return of refugees", he said while endorsing the state government's stand on the issue.
Rosaiah called for an end to the repeated arrest of fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Rosaiah commended the state's efforts in maintaining law and order situation remarking "attempts of extremist groups to establish base in Tamil Nadu "has been successfully thwarted through vigilant and effective preventive measures."
Completion of thermal projects that augmented power generation by 2500 MW and altogether addition of 3358 MW, expected commencement of Unit-III of TNEB-NTPC project of 500 MW and two other projects of 660 MW each were mentioned by him while he outlined the State's initiatives on the power front.
On getting investments, he said between 2011 and 2014, total incremental investment attracted by the state was Rs 2,58,382 crore.
He also lauded AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa for her efforts to secure the rights of the State in river water disputes, a remark that evoked sharp criticism from opposition parties.
Jayalalithaa was convicted by a Bengaluru court last year in a disproportionate asset case.
The opposition parties including DMK, DMDK, PMK and others have been slamming the AIADMK government accusing of its failure to maintain law and order and ensure power supply.
Soon after the Governor began his address, DMK's Stalin, CPI(M)'s A Soundararajan and Puthiya Tamilagam member Krishnasamy tried to make a point,but were shouted by ruling and treasury bench members.
The opposition members staged a walkout declaring that they are boycotting Governor's address.