Ramadoss wants transparency in ethnic issue

Chennai, July 3: Calling for transparency in the talks between India and Sri Lanka on the vexed ethnic issue, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss today urged the Centre not to provide any military assistance that would ''encourage'' the Sri Lankan Government.

Addressing a press conference here, he termed as 'wrong' the distribution of radar equipment to the island nation by India.

He alleged the Sri Lankan government was blatantly violating Human Rights and indulging in genocide of Tamils. The Centre should take steps that would give confidence and hope to the Tamils, he stressed.

Referring to the Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister's recent visit to New Delhi, Dr Ramadoss said the talks between the two Governments on the ethnic issue should be transparent.

On the reservation issue, he said leaders of various political parties had pledged their support to the implementation of 27 per cent quota for other backward classes in higher education.

Those who opposed reservation to OBCs were not only against social justice but also against the Constitution, he added.

Dr Ramadoss said political parties had also supported the PMK's demand for reservation in the media.

UNI