Centre`s approach negative on Lanka: Karunanidhi

Charging the BJP-led Union government with pursuing a "negative approach" in dealing with Sri Lanka by supporting it, DMK chief M Karunanidhi today urged the Centre to adopt a stance protective of Tamils there.

Chennai: Charging the BJP-led Union government with pursuing a "negative approach" in dealing with Sri Lanka by supporting it, DMK chief M Karunanidhi today urged the Centre to adopt a stance protective of Tamils there.
Referring to a defence conference to be hosted by Sri Lanka, slated to be held between August 18 and 20, he quoted a Tamil proverb and said India`s decision to participate in the meet was tantamount to betrayal. Pointing to the alleged disruption and cancellation of a seminar for Tamil journalists in Sri Lanka and its condemnation by U.S.A., the DMK leader said, "when a far away country like America has expressed its dissatisfaction, India`s stance is painful." Be it the defence meet next month or the `muzzling` of Tamil journalists by that country, the Centre has adopted a negative approach, he said. "I again urge the BJP regime to adopt a stance protective of Tamils in Sri Lanka unlike the previous Congress-led government," he said.