Opposition must not speak in violation of law: Karunanidhi

Chennai, Nov 6 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said he could not ignore the criticism by the opposition parties against those who speak in violation of law, while offering support to Sri Lankan Tamils.

In a statement here, he said he could understand the feelings of those who supported separate Eelam, jeopardising the country's unity and integrity. But at the same time, the government has to take into consideration the criticism by the oppostion parties against them.

He regretted that when the state government took action against those who violated the law while offering their support to Lankan Tamils, he was blamed as anti-Tamil.

The Chief Minister said, ''some people are exceeding the limits of law while fighting for the cause of Lankan Tamils, much to the embarrassment of the government. They were bent on putting an end to the government.'' It was like one step forward and two steps back, Mr Karunanidhi alleged, adding ''the need of the hour is we should be united in taking up the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.'' Mr Karunanidhi also hit out at the opposition parties for being under the mistaken impression that being the Chief Minister, only he could resolve the issue.

Stating that he could not find a solution to the issue single handed, Mr Karunanidhi, however, said that he would continue to work for the cause of the Lankan Tamils, even while upholding law as the head of the state.

The Chief Minister also thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi for conceding his demands on the issue and acting on the resolution adopted at the all-party meeting in a phased manner.

Asserting that he was willing to join hands with those who fight for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils, Mr Karunanidhi also thanked those who were standing by him.

UNI WS PK HT1830