Chennai, July 01: Discounting the possibility of
creation of a separate Tamil nation in Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday said he believed that the
day is not far off when a Tamil would head the government in
the island nation.
"US President Barack Obama changed the compulsion that
only a white-skinned person can rule US. And the day is not
far off when a Tamil will rule Sri Lanka," he told the state
assembly.
Recalling the events that led to DMK giving up the
demand for a separate 'Dravida Nadu', he said no action or
remarks, provoking Sinhalese majority, should be made in Tamil
Nadu as it could affect future prospects of Tamils in Lanka.
Ruling out the possibility of Tamil Eelam in Sri
Lanka, he said equal treatment of Tamils and devolution of
powers to them "alone is possible" which can only be ensured
by Colombo.
Rejecting the Opposition demand to pass a resolution
in the assembly, accusing Sri Lankan leadership of war crimes,
Karunanidhi said any remarks of hatred or arrogance would only
affect the Tamils in the island nation.
"This is not a conflict between the governments of
Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, but of two races, viz. Tamils and
Sinhalese. Even Buddhist monks are likely to react strongly to
any of our remarks or actions. If we end up saying something
against the Sinhalese community, it will only affect the
Tamils there," he said.
Modern surveillance boats for coastal security
With a view to strengthening coastal
security in Tamil Nadu, Centre had allocated a sum of Rs
44.80 crore, under which 22 modern surveillance boats would
be delivered to the state by the year-end, Karunanidhi said today.
Replying to members' queries in this regard in the Tamil
Nadu Assembly, he said one 12 tonne and one five tonne boat
have each been already delivered to the Coastal Security
Group.
"A total of 12 coastal police stations have been
constructed and have gone operational while two out of the
allotted 12 outposts have been constructed. Construction of
six out of the 40 check-posts have also been completed,"
Karunanidhi, who holds the Home portfolio, said.
Of the allotted 24 surveillance boats, two have been
delivered and the rest will be delivered by the year end, he
added.
Special training for the CSG personnel had been imparted by
Coast Guard with the help of state-Central funding, he said.
First Published: Wednesday, July 01, 2009, 22:18