DMK has decided to withdraw support to the UPA government on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. Party chief M.Karunanidhi announced this in Chennai at a press conference today. DMK Ministers will submit their resignations today.
Yesterday, the DMK Chief M. Karunanidhi asked for a resolution to be adopted by the Parliament including amendments in the US sponsored draft resolution against Sri Lanka in the United Nations Human Rights Council, UNHRC. Three Union Ministers P. Chidambaram, A.K. Antony and Ghulam Nabi Azad had a two-hour long discussion with Karunanidhi in Chennai yesterday. Mr. Karunanidhi had said that the amendment included a credible independent International Commission of Inquiry into the allegations of war crimes in the draft resolution brought in the UNHRC. He also wanted the inclusion of genocide and war crimes by the Sri Lankan army and administration.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the issue is gaining momentum. Political parties cutting across party lines have been insisting that India should take a stand on the draft resolution and also choose to speak out for an independent probe into the alleged war crimes. The student community has also been demanding the same through protests in a peaceful manner all over the state. Several miscreants have been arrested at many places. More than 500 colleges have been shut down until further notice.