Separate Eelam only way to save Tamils: Jaya

Chennai, Apr 26: J Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK supremo in a dramatic twist said that a separate Tamil homeland would be the only solution to the problems of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka.

"We have been asking for a ceasefire. It is not enough. Sri Lankan Tamils should get justice and lead a normal life. They should get all rights that are available to Sinhalese. For this, a separate Eelam is the only way," Jayalalithaa said in a major shift in her party's stand on the issue. "I will definitely do it. To form a separate Eelam, vote for AIADMK-led alliance," she added.

Other political parties which are also pressing for the same cause welcomed Jaya's new move. PMK leader Dr S Ramadoss hailed the announcement saying, "At last there is a realistic assessment of the needs of the Tamils in Eelam and their sufferings."

Meanwhile a pro-LTTE Tamil nationalist leader P Nedumaran said to news agencies, "Politicians have been supporting the Tamil cause in Sri Lanka and backing the demand for a separate homeland Eelam for our nationality for long. Jayalalithaa's announcement is a welcome addition."

OneIndia News