AIADMK walks out of assembly on LTTE issue

Chennai, Jan 23: The main Opposition AIADMK today staged a walk out demanding dismissal of the DMK government for its alleged support to the banned LTTE, before Governor S S Barnala rose to make his customary address to the House.

Soon after the Governor was conducted to his seat, Deputy Leader of the Opposition O Panneerselvam read out a statement alleging deterioration of law and order in the state and criticising Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for penning a soulful poem to mourn the death of LTTE political Wing Chief S P Thamilchelvan, who was killed in an air attack by the Lankan Military recently. Contending that the Chief Minister euologising a slain leader of the banned outfit was violative of the constitution, Mr Panneerselvam said Mr Karunanidhi's act posed a threat to country's sovereignty and demanded the dismissal of his government.

He alleged that the State, which remained a haven of peace during the previous AIADMK regime headed by Ms J Jayalalithaa, had become a ground for terrorist activities.

Citing recent incidents, he also alleged that there were intrusions of LTTE men into the state, which had become a godown for arms.

After finishing his prepared text, Mr Panneerselvam led his party colleagues out of the House.

UNI