Vaiko condemns India for providing military assistance to Sri Lanka

[TamilNet, Monday, 05 November 2007, 10:18 GMT]
Vaiko, the leader of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) in a communique issued Saturday, called upon the international community to strongly condemn the killing of Liberation Tigers Political Head S.P.Thamilchelvan who was slain in a targeted air attack in Ki'linochchi and condemned the Government of India for providing military assistance to Sri Lanka. An array of political leaders from Tamil Nadu, including K. Veeramani, Pandiyan, Ramdoss and Nedumaran have condemned the killing while Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi condoled the demise of Thamilchelvan, passing a subtle message that the Tamils of Sri Lanka haven't gone brotherless.

"Whenever representatives from the various countries in the world and United Nations visited Tamil areas in Sri Lanka, it was Thamilchelvan who met them on behalf of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

"He had a special ability to analyze problems, had the talent to tactfully confront his rivals during peace talks and was always able to attract the audience towards him. He led a life of sacrifice.

"I strongly condemn the Government of India for providing military hardware to Sri Lankan government, which is engaged in killing Tamil civilians. The targeted air attack that killed Mr. Thamilchelvan is a clear indication that the government of Sri Lanka has effectively entombed the peace process.

"MDMK deeply regrets the loss of this great son of Tamil Eelam and wishes to express our deep regrets and heartfelt condolences to the LTTE and Eeelam Tamils” the communiqué concluded.

Reflecting the unprecedented grief sweeping across Tamil Nadu, a number of other political and religious groups throughout South India have expressed shock on the killing of S.P.Thamilchelvan and five of his political division members.

Dr.Ramdoss, founder president of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in a comunique issued Sunday said the Tamils will not forgive the killing of S.P.Thamilchelvan, the voice of Eelam Tamils.

"Late Mr.Thamilchelvan took part in all Norway-initiated peace talks, in order to find a political and peaceful solution for the ethnic crisis. His untimely death is a great loss for the global Tamils and is a great set back for the efforts in trying to find a solution through peace talks," he said.

"India should reiterate to the Sri Lankan government that it should halt the killing of Tamils and try to provide them their reasonable political and human rights."

P. Nedumaran, the Tamil Nationalist Movement (TNM) leader and a longtime supporter of the Eelam cause, in a communiqué issued Friday from Madurai said "a large number of youths will rise from the blood spilled by S.P.Thamilchelvan."

"I am shocked by the untimely demise of Thamilchelvan. He represented LTTE during all the peace talks held during the regime of former Sri Lankan President Chandrika as well during each and every Norway-led talks.

"By targeting and killing him, the Sri Lankan government has indicated that it is not ready for any reconciliatory talks in the future," Mr. Nedumaran said.

Dr.K.Veeramani, the President of Dravidar Kalagam (Tamil Nadu), in a communiqué released Saturday in Chennai expressed deep regrets and conveyed his party’s condolences to LTTE as well as to Eelam Tamils on the demise of Thamilchelvan.

"While the Eelam Tamils are struggling to continue their existence, one of their important leaders together with five of his collegues has been killed by aerial bombardment by Sri Lankan aircrafts.

"The entire world is wailing and shedding tears expressing its humanitarian nature."

T. Pandiyan of the United Communist Party of India (Tamil Nadu Division) expressing shock and sadness on the demise of Thamilchelvan, said "Thamilchelvan fought for the rights of Eelam Tamils. The Indian government should take steps to impress upon both LTTE and the Sri Lankan government to stop indulging in war and try to find a solution through peace talks."

Kulaththoor Mani, President of Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam expressing profound sadness on the killing of Thamilchelvan said ”both the Indian government which has been providing arms and military training to the Sri Lankan troops and the Tamil Nadu Government that had remained silent on the ethnic crisis, should urgently review their stand at this hour of need."

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