PM should seek assurance from Rajapaksa on reopening A-9: PMK

Chennai, Nov 14: The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a constituent of the Congress led UPA Government at the Centre, today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek an assurance from Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa regarding the opening of the A-9 highway, connecting the Jaffna Peninsula with the mainland.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, a copy of which was made available to the media here, PMK Founder Leader S Ramadoss said when Mr Rajapaksa visits India on November 26, the Prime Minister should ensure that the highway was re-opened forthwith to enable free movement of people and materials both ways.

Stating that this would mitigate the sufferings of Tamil brethren on the island, the PMK leader said ''the Centre should mount pressure on the indifferent Rajapaksa government and ensure that the crucial highway is opened well before the Lankan President lands on our soil.'' He said Dr Singh, who enjoys good standing in the international community, should swing into action to put an end to the increasing misery of the Lankan Tamils.

''Considering the seriousness of the situation in the island nation, we feel it would be appropriate to send External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to hold talks with the Lankan government, instead of Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon as planned now. These are the expectations of not just the PMK, but entire Tamil Nadu.'' Dr Ramadoss added.

UNI

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