The DMK on Thursday reiterated that India should boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo to register protest over the alleged war crimes against Tamils in Sri Lanka.
In a sharp reaction to reports in a section of the press that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was likely to attend the meet, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi said people of Tamil Nadu expect that there should not even be a symbolic participation from India at the CHOGM.
The 90-year-old DMK chief also cautioned the Congress that if the Prime Minister participates “his (the Prime Minister’s) party will have to face the consequences”.
Mr. Karunanidhi sought to remind that Congress legislators in Tamil Nadu have supported the unanimous resolution passed by the State Assembly, demanding that India boycott the CHOGM and noted, “Those who sow, will reap it also.”
Asked about rumours that Congress leader and Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan was mulling resignation from the Union Cabinet over the issue, Mr. Karunanidhi said he was not aware of it and can reply only after receiving proper communication.
Meanwhile, Mr. Vasan met Dr. Singh in New Delhi on Thursday and appealed to him not to participate in the CHOGM.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “I met the Prime Minister and requested him that India should not take part in the CHOGM. I have also referred to the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly.”
