By The Hindu –

Describing as “an insult to injury” Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s assertion that his country would not bow to outside pressure and withdraw the Army from the North, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M. Karunanidhi on Sunday said the Tamil Eelam Supporters Organisation (TESO) would soon organise a conference to discuss these issues and take a decision.

M. Karunanidhi

Recalling a report released by the US secretary of State Hillary Clinton that the major human rights problems were unlawful killings by security forces and government-allied paramilitary groups, often in predominantly Tamil areas, he said such reports further strengthened his argument in favour of a separate Tamil Eelam.

“EYEWASH”

Mr. Karunanidhi said the demonstration announced by Chief Minister and All India Anna Draivda Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa against the hike in the price of petrol was nothing but an “eyewash”, arguing that if she was really interested in the welfare of people, she could take a cue from the Goa government that had removed the VAT on petrol and bring down sales tax on petrol in Tamil Nadu. He said when petrol prices were hiked in 2009, Ms. Jayalalithaa wanted the Centre and State governments to rationalise tax structure on petroleum products to give relief to consumers.