(April 18, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK in its election manifesto on Thursday night said if devolution of powers in Tamil-dominated provinces of Sri Lanka failed to give equal status to Tamils it would press for a "separate Eelam"."Tamils should be accorded equal status with the Sinhala majority with devolution of administrative power in the Tamil-dominated provinces of Sri Lanka," the manifesto, released during AIADMK-led front's election campaign, said.
It said, "If these moves fail, then AIADMK will press for a separate state of Eelam to ensure that Tamils in the island live a life of dignity."
It called for an immediate cessation of war between Sri Lankan Army and LTTE in northern parts of the island nation and an immediate end to "killings" of civilian Tamil population.
A grant of Rs 10,000 crore would be provided for the restoration and development of the Tamil areas of Sri Lanka after the devolution was completed, it promised.
The manifesto, released by Jayalalithaa, said AIADMK would work for stringent anti-terrorism law with adequate safeguards to prevent misuse, setting up of commando units in every state, and initiate dialogue and a special package to address genuine demands of Naxalites if they lay down arms.
It said the defence budget would be increased and India's "antiquated war machinery" modernised on a war footing.
On Ram temple issue, AIADMK said it would seek to solve it through negotiations involving all the parties concerned.
"If such an initiative fails, the decision of the apex court on the matter shall be deemed final and respected".
 Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK in its election manifesto on Thursday night said if devolution of powers in ...){kind=link}
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