 A day after Union home minister P Chidambaram called on him, DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Monday said the demand for Eelam (a separate Tamil land in Sri Lanka) will not be a topic of discussion at the proposed conference of the recently revived Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) to be held in Chennai on August 12. |
| To a query from reporters, Karunanidhi said, "It's different to have an opinion on a separate Eelam, but we don't intend to put it up as a topic for discussion in the conference and create any confusion." He added that the conference was more importantly to discuss the various solutions to the Sri Lankan Tamil problems and ensure they get a good livelihood. Dismissing a report that Chidambaram and he had discussed the TESO issue during their brief interaction on Sunday, Karunanidhi said, "Chidambaram met me because he was in Chennai. We did not discuss politics at all." Justifying his move to drop the Eelam demand from the TESO conference agenda, the DMK veteran said, "It is only democratic that we consult with other leaders on what they feel about a separate Eelam. We don't intend to have any protests demanding it. As of now, the priority is to ensure safety and a good living to the Sri Lankan Tamils. DMK sources had told TOI on Sunday that the home minister, who met Karunanidhi at his Chennai residence, had requested the DMK chief not to bring up the Eelam demand during the TESO meet. Karunanidhi, however, denied that Chidambaram had made such a request on behalf of the UPA government. He told reporters in the city, "There is no pressure from the Centre not to talk about a separate Eelam state. Chidambaram did not discuss TESO with me." DMK leaders had admitted that their party chief was quite upset with the Centre's advice to him to refrain from bringing up the Eelam issue as it could cause some embarrassment to India and strain ties with Sri Lanka. It is interesting to note that these developments come in the wake of the Centre's decision to extend the ban on the LTTE. The Union government notification extending the ban on the outfit, which was virtually decimated in 2009, was issued on Saturday last. "I have nothing to say on the extension of ban on LTTE," said Karunanidhi when sought for a reaction. Karunanidhi said several leaders, including Farooq Abdullah, Sharad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan had written to him confirming their participation in the TESO conference to be held in Chennai. The DMK chief has showcased the conference as a major initiative of his party. He said leaders from several countries like Africa, Australia and New Zealand have agreed to come, besides leaders of Tamil groups and several from Sri Lanka. (2nd lead) Speaking to media from the media briefing held at the Anna Ariwalayam DMK leader went on to say TESO conference? Some parties fail to understand about TESO conference. TESO conference schedule to hold on 12th of August at Chennai. We have already hand over special explanation book this regard. Central government Minister Sharath Pawaer, leader of the national conference party Faruk Abdhula, head of the United Janatha party Sharath Yadaw,and the leader of the York Janashakthi party Ram Vilas agreed to hold TESO conference in Colombo. Nigerian Minister Moosa Ahamad and the Switzerland human rights activist for United Nation Malik will also present at this conference. Tamil representatives from Unites States, Canada, Norway, Australia, Germany and New Zeeland would also present at this conference. SriLankan parliamentarians Sambanthan, Mawai Senathiraja, Yogeswaran, Kajendirakumar Ponnambalam, Sumanthiran,Sarawanabawan and several other representatives would be the viewrs of this conference. Will you make final decision on establishing separate Tamil Eelam during the TESO conference? At present we did not make any final decision this regard. We always aim to protect Tamil people severally affected from the war in the country. Final decision would be made according to the opinions of leaders present at the conference. What is your stance on extending ban on LTTE for another two years in India? It’s not the correct time to comment on this issue. I won’t allow upraising terrorist activities in Tamil Nadu. Due to this I hope Indian government would also in the same stance. Earlier you said Tamil Eelam is the only solution for problems of Tamil people but now you have announced TESO conference would not talk about establishing Tamil Eelam in SriLanka? I will continuously work for Tamil Eelam. Did the central government made any against you on establishing Tamil Eelam? No they didn’t. Did central government Minister P.Chidamparam spoke to you on TESO conference? No he didn’t speak. During the meeting at KK town you spoke about Tamil Eelam. Now you have announced that you won’t speak about Tamil Eelam at the TESO conference? Many people would take part in the TESO conference. Final decision would be made according to the democratic method. Lankan government announced that they have killed the Prabhakaran and defeated LTTE in SriLanka. In such situation does India need to extend ban on LTTE? Northern state government was concern over this issue and need to take necessary steps this regard. Once gin will you stress on establishing Tamil Eelam in SriLanka? I wish to establish Tamil Eelam but we need proper time this regard. Will you talk about UN decision at the conference? Delegates arrive to the conference would make final decision this regard. Lanka Army receives military training in India? We always stress to send back them towards their country. DMK would not support for terrorist activities in SriLanka because Lankan Army owns military personals and also compare with the terrorist they own more weapons and final Lankan military personals would achieve victor in the struggle, Congress leader Nanan Theysigan stated he was not interested establishing Tamil Eelam in SriLanka and also stress equality should be granted for Tamil people in SriLanka? Before releasing a statement towards media on TESO conference he fails to hold discussion with me this regard said Karunanithi. |
