Send MPs delegation to study Lankan situation: Nedumaran

Madurai, July 20 (UNI) Expressing serious concern at the fast deteriorating situation in the war-torn North-East of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nationalist Movement(TNM) leader Pazha Nedumaran today demanded the Centre to despatch a delegation of MPs to study the plight of innocent civilians and the human rights tragedy there.

Talking to newspersons here, he said the delegation should have a substantial representation from Tamil Nadu.

Admitting that a similar plea had been made by Pattali Makkal Katchi(PMK) founder-leader, Dr S Ramadoss, a constituent of the Congress-led UPA Government, he said New Delhi could not remain a mute spectator to the developments in its neighbourhood.

The International Committee, headed by former Chief Justice P N Bhagwati, which looked into the Human Rights situation in the island nation had expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation, he pointed out.

Mr Nedumaran demanded the Centre to grant permission to send the relief material, worth over Rs one crore, directly to the affected Lankan Tamils through the Red Cross. The procrastination by the Manmohan Singh Government was inexplicable, he observed and said this was unjustified even after the Geneva headquarters of the Red Cross had forwarded the request.

MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, too, had impressed the centre to provide clearance to this, he added.

A Conference would be organised at Villupuram on August four to press the demand, he disclosed.

UNI