Military option not a solution to Lankan crisis: PM

Bangalore, June 24 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today opined that use of military will not provide a solution to the vexed ethnic conflict in neighbouring Sri Lanka.

Speaking to newspersons before leaving for New Delhi after a two-day visit to the State, he said the problem could be resolved only through dialogues, discussions and a ''give and take'' policy.

Asked about the Indian suppport to the island nation in this regard, the Prime Minister said India would fully support the Sri Lankan people to safeguard their territorial integrity and sovereignty. At the same time, he hoped that all shades of Sri Lankan opinion would create a conducive environment for people from all walks of life, Tamils in particular, to lead a life of dignity and honour.

On the LTTE's ultimatum to international truce monitors to withdraw from Sri Lanka, he said he did not want to speak for the banned outfit.

Asked whether the National Advisory Council would be disbanded, Dr Singh said the NAC had played a positive role all along and had helped the Government make up its mind on important national programmes like the Right to Information Act and Rural Employment Guarantee Programme.

To a question on the price hike of essential commodities, he said the Government was determined to check further hike in prices and bring them under control. Several measures had already been initiated in this direction, he pointed out.

UNI