CPI observes state-wide fast on Eeelam Tamils issue

Chennai, Oct 2 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) today observed a day-long state-wide fast to condemn the attack on Eelam Tamils by the Sri Lankan Military Troops, even as leaders of various political parties accused the Centre and the DMK regime in the State of being mute spectators.

The day-long fast organised by the CPI, however, suffered a setback when the AIADMK withdrew its promised support, but managed to send a message that the National party was in the forefront in taking up the Eelam Tamils' cause, when other political parties in Tamil Nadu chose to keep a low profile.

The fast received support from the CPI(M), MDMK leader Vaiko, Vijayakanth's DMDK, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) President Thol Thirumavalavan, Tamil Nationalist Movement leader P Nedumaran, Puthiya Tamilzhagam leader K Krishnasamy, Vijaya T Rajeendhar and three Sri Lankan Tamil MPs.

Speaking at the fast venue, CPI National Secretary and Rajya Sabha member D Raja accused the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre of remaining a mute spectator to the plight of Lankan Tamils and unabated killings of Indian fishermen by the Lankan Navy.

He said the party would take up the issue of getting back Katchatheevu, which was ceded to Lanka in 1974, in Parliament.

''Retrieving the island alone will solve the problem of fishermen,'' he added.

Launching a tirade against the DMK government, CPI State Secretary D Pandian said the DMK, being a constituent of the UPA Government for the last four years, had failed to take any step to protect the Tamils in Lanka.

The State has ten Ministers in the Union Cabinet, but Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi had never bothered to at least issue a veiled threat to pull them out if the Centre did not take action to protect the Tamils.

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