TN to consider compensation to left out STF atrocities victims

Chennai, Apr 21 (UNI) Asserting that Tamil Nadu government has paid its share of compensation to all the victims of ''STF atrocities'' during the Veerappan nabbing operation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today told the State Assembly that the government would consider giving compensation to those who were left out.

Responding to PMK floor leader G K Mani during zero hour, he said the government, as per the recommendations of the Sadashiva Commission, which went into the alleged atrocities committed by the STF on tribals, had paid a total compensation of Rs 1.25 crore to the victims.

He said the government did not have details as to who all were affected and who had deposed before the Commission. ''If such a report is submitted, the government will examine it and consider providing compensation to them also''.

Mr Karunanidhi took exception to Left parties and some Human Rights organisations taking out a protest rally yesterday demanding compensation to the victims, without even knowing that the government had already paid the compensation.

He said the Commission, in its report, had said that 89 people, living in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were affected in the police atrocities and after ascertaining the number of victims from Tamil Nadu, the government has paid the compensation.

Mr Karunanidhi said when CPI State Secretary D Pandian called on him in this regard, he gave him the details of the compensation paid to the victims.

As far as Tamil Nadu was concerned, it had paid the compensation to those who were living in the state limit and it could not be responsible if Karnataka did not pay their share of compensation.

The Left parties, should have held their agitation in Karnataka, which had failed to pay the compensation, after agreeing to do so, he said.

''Karnataka has been posing hurdles right from Cauvery to Hogenakkal, but the government will get its share of benefits from it'', he said adding ''but this (payment of compensation) is a different issue.

UNI GV/WS KVV BDP BST1723