Issue status paper on Sethusamudram project: CPI to govt

New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) The CPI today demanded that the Manmohan Singh government issue a status paper on the completion of the Sethusamudram canal project and assailed it for adopting ''an ambiguous'' position on the issue for political reasons.

The Left party also took the ruling UPA coalition to task for what it termed a "vacillating" response to the deployment of sea-mines by the Sri Lankan government and its parochial response to the forcible ouster of the North Indians in Maharashtra.

At a press confernce, CPI leaders Gurudas Dasgupta and D Raja demanded that the government should present a status paper on the canal project to explain how much money had been spent and the amount of work completed.

On these two issues, Mr Raja said the government wanted to have its cake and eat it too but was avoiding to take ''a clear and an uncompromising position.'' The Left leaders said the government should respond strongly and adequately to these two burning issues, which are of national importance.

''I have given the notice to the government to explain why it has so far not taken up the matter with the Sri Lankan government when it has violated all the international conventions and norms of government on these issues," Dr Raja added.

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