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Prevent visit of Mahinda Rajapaksa: Karunanidhi
Key UPA constituent DMK today urged the Centre to prevent the proposed visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India later this week, saying Tamils are not prepared to welcome him.
Key UPA constituent DMK on Tuesday urged the Centre to prevent the proposed visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India later this week, saying Tamils are not prepared to welcome him.
DMK chief M Karunanidhi said reports had suggested that under the aegis of the United Nations, India was one of the three countries appointed for a review of human rights (violations) in Sri Lanka and Tamils are keenly watching what stand it would take.
"Considering that no Tamil is prepared to welcome him to the country, the Centre should prevent his visit and also be humane at the UN review meeting," he said, replying to a set of questions in party organ 'Murasoli.'
Rajapaksa is scheduled to arrive on an official visit to Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh on September 21 for a Buddhist function. MDMK chief Vaiko has announced a black flag demonstration against the Lankan president.
Karunanidhi also condoled the death of an auto driver from Salem who committed self-immolation, protesting against the visit of the Lankan head of state.
"While DMK has never encouraged such incidents (of self-immolation) I respect his sacrifice and express my sympathies. The Centre should take note with concern the arrival of Rajapakse amidst such strong protests," he said.
Karunanidhi said "we should consider" how Sri Lanka can be a friendly country when it enjoys good relations with Pakistan and China.
The DMK chief also asked the Centre to act against an American film allegedly denigrating Islam, saying New Delhi should take up the matter with Washington.
