Vaiko's visit derailed solution to Lankan crisis: MK

Chennai, Aug 19 (UNI) In a startling disclosure, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi told the Assembly today that India's efforts to find an amicable solution to the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka were derailed by MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, who undertook a clandestine visit to the north east part of the island in 1989.

Responding to MDMK floor leader M Kannappan, who raised the Lankan issue during zero hour, the Chief Minister said during his visit to New Delhi in 1989, he was requested by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to find an amicable solution to the problem by holding talks with LTTE chief V Prabhakaran.

''He asked me to visit Vavuniya along with Mr Vaiko (a DMK Rajya Sabha MP then) and former Union Minister Murasoli Maran and hold direct talks with Mr Prabhakaran. He urged me to give a reply within a specified date,'' he said.

Mr Karunanidhi said after his return to Chennai, he called Mr Gandhi over phone and expressed his readiness for the Lanka visit.

''I was waiting for Mr Vaiko. But in the meantime, he clandestinely visited Sri Lanka through illegal means, leaving a letter for me. I was deeply pained by his action,'' he added.

The Chief Minister said he immediately contacted Mr Gandhi and expressed regret to him. ''I told him Mr Vaiko left for Sri Lanka before I could reach Chennai.'' Even when Mr Vaiko's clandestine visit was raked up in the Rajya Sabha, Mr Gandhi voiced concern for his safe return, he said.

After that, no efforts could be taken to send an emissary to Prabhakaran and massive support for Eelam was hindered by various problems and confusion in the island nation, Mr Karunanidhi said.

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