SL- India: DMK v UPA

[lkdood]

In a major embarrassment for the Indian government, key UPA constituent DMK moved an amendment to the motion of thanks to the President’s address insisting that a paragraph be added on the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils in view of the reported human rights violations by the Lankan army during the civil war.

This is in addition to the disruptions in RS on Tuesday, in which the DMK took part in full measure. Along with rival AIADMK, CPI and BJP MPs, the DMK too demanded that the government support the US-sponsored UN resolution against Lanka, on human rights abuses allegedly carried out by Lanka’s armed forces in the final stages of the war.

Speaking to Express, DMK MP T R Baalu said apart from the amendment, he has given a notice for suspension of Zero Hour for a discussion on the issue of Lankan Tamils under Rule 193. “The government has agreed for a separate discussion, the Speaker will allot time for the same”— but that is not all.

On the UNHRC resolution against Lanka, “nothing short of support to the resolution is acceptable to us,” Baalu said. “We will not compromise on... condemnation against rights violations in Lanka,” Baalu emphatically delivered what sounded like an ultimatum.

indian express

 

[lkdood]

DMK to quit the Indian government ?

Dravidar Kazhagam president K Veeramani on Tuesday appealed to the DMK president M Karunanidhi to reconsider his party’s continuance in the UPA government if the Centre continues to disrespect the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu with regard to the US-backed resolution against Sri Lanka..

“This is the right opportunity for the DMK to redeem itself from the bad name contracted by the party,” Veeramani said in a statement here. The statement assumes significance as Veeramani is a close associate of Karunanidhi and he can gauge the mood of the DMK patriarch on important issues.

“It’s not just Congress which is ruling at the Centre. It is the rule of the UPA... if Congress conveniently forgets this and try to impose their stand on the UPA, such an attitude goes against the alliance dharma,” Veeramani pointed out.

He said despite appeals from all political parties to support the US-backed resolution, the Centre had been adopting an adamant stand. The much-expected address of the President too had neglected the issue just by making a passing reference.

indian express