Pranab’s Lanka visit, no cheer to parties

(January 28, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) Expressing disappointment over the visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Sri Lanka, the PMK on Tuesday said he had made no commitment on a ceasefire in the island nation.

In a statement here, PMK founder S Ramadoss said, ‘It is disappointing he has not said anything on pressing the Sri Lankan government for a ceasefire ahead of his two-day visit to Sri Lanka, where he is expected to discuss a political solution to the ethnic problem with the leaders of the neighbouring country.’

He said there were great expectations within and outside India on the possible outcome of Mukherjee’s visit, especially on the ceasefire.

Mukherjee had earlier in the day said that India was concerned over the plight of civilians and ‘we shall have to see how civilians can be protected and they do not become hapless victims of the situation.’

The PMK leader said that only a ceasefire could put an end to the sufferings of the Tamils. However, it was still ‘not too late’ and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi should talk to Mukherjee and urge him to take up the issue of ceasefire during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the PMK leader said.

Karunanidhi should impress upon Mukherjee that only a ceasefire would gladden the people of Tamilnadu, Ramadoss said. Meanwhile, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol Thirumavalavan said the only way to pressure the Central government to intervene and stop the war in Sri Lanka is resignation of Members of Parliament from Tamilnadu.

Speaking to reporters, he said: ‘I specifically request the PMK and the MDMK to ask their MPs to resign.’ - Sri Lanka Guardian