Karunanidhi hints at return of PMK back to DMK-led DPA

Chennai, Nov 25 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi today hinted about the return of estranged ally PMK, back to the DMK-led DPA in the State.

Talking to mediapersons after chairing an all-party meeting on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Mr Karunanidhi said, ''There is no rift between us (the DMK and the PMK).'' Asked whether the DMK and PMK sharing same concern for Eelam Tamils could be a prelude to latter's return to the DPA, he reiterated that there was no rift between the two parties.

When pointed out that it was the DMK, which had shown the exit door for PMK, Mr Karunanidhi shot back ''We did not send any one out. We only expressed our regret (about some actions of the PMK).'' Mr Karunanidhi stoutly denied any move to deport back the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees housed in various camps in the State.

''Only notice had been issued to the Nilgiris District Superintendent of Police to deport back one Vasantham, a member of the LTTE-rebel group headed by Karuna, as the Q Branch police felt that his presence will endanger India's internal security.'' The Chief Minister also refused to comment on some political parties like the CPI, CPI(M), AIADMK, MDMK and DMDK boycotting the all-party meeting.

When asked what type of action should be taken by the Indian government on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Mr Karunanidhi said, ''Only to discuss this, the MPs will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Sinhg on November 28 and an all-party delegation headed by me will meet the Prime Minister on December 4.'' ''Only after meeting the Prime Minister we can arrive at a decision,'' he added.

On AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa's oft-repeated demand for his resignation on the Lankan issue, the Chief Minister, refusing to attach any significance, said in a lighter vein that ''this only showed her concern for me.'' Asked whether the DMK would issue a threat to the Centre of withdrawing its support to ensure ceasefire in Sri Lanka, Mr Karunanidhi said such a situation did not arise.

Stating that food and clothes were being despatched to the suffering Tamils in Lanka through the International Red Cross, he said the only draw back was that there was no ceasefire to end the killing of the innocent Tamils.

UNI GV ROY LPB AS1423