The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Ceasefire demand relegated to background: Ramadoss

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Ceasefire demand relegated to background: Ramadoss

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The State has failed in persuading the Centre to take steps for a ceasefire in Sri Lanka, Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss said on Saturday.

Pointing out that one of the important resolutions adopted at an all-party meeting on October 14 was that the Centre should make efforts for a ceasefire, Dr. Ramadoss asked: “What was the action taken by the Centre on this resolution? What was the follow-up to Chief Minister’s appeal in this regard? What is the difficulty in making the Union government to act on this resolution?”

Addressing a press conference here, the PMK leader wanted Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi to clarify the position.

The momentum of the campaign in the State on the Sri Lankan issue had lost its intensity and the Sri Lankan Tamils Relief Fund had deflected attention. “At present, the government’s entire attention is devoted to mobilising funds. The demand for a ceasefire has been relegated to the background,” Dr. Ramadoss said.

The PMK leader said he was not against the Fund, which would enable people to make contributions. But, ceasefire would be “effective relief” for the Sri Lankan Tamils. Negotiations should be resumed immediately to find a political solution.

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