'Use diplomacy for Tamils' release in Malaysia'

Chennai, Dec 14: MDMK General Secretary Vaiko today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to use diplomatic channels to secure the release of ''Tamils arrested and jailed in Malaysia'' in the recent crackdown while fighting for their rights.

In a statement here, he said majority of the Indian immigrants in Malaysia were Tamils and their rights should be protected. ''India should utilise its diplomatic channels and take immediate steps to secure the release of Tamils,'' he added. Mr Vaiko said several Tamils were arrested when they attempted to take out a procession in Kuala Lumpur on November 25, demanding equal rights and to protest the alleged discrimination.

Without considering the demands of Tamils, the Malaysian Government, which had detained several Tamils under the Internal Security Act, had been issuing warnings against them, he added.

UNI