Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has sad that the Centre had intimated to the State government that it was examining the demand for according permanent residence status to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in the state.
On his recent meeting with National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon, the Chief Minister said the views on coastal protection were exchanged and that he condemned the attacks on fishermen of Tamil Nadu by Sri Lanka’s Army and fishermen. The Chief Minister impressed upon Mr. Menon on the need for the early enactment of a Constitutional amendment, envisaging devolution of powers to Sri Lankan Tamils.
General Council
Announcing that the party’s executive and general council would meet on February 20, Mr. Karunanidhi said the Council would take stock of the political situation in the State. Asked for his reaction to Union Minister M.K. Alagiri’s statement that he [Mr Karunanidhi] would not take retirement but continue as Chief Minister, he replied that he would convey his views in the appropriate forum at the appropriate time.
To questions on the Shiv Sena’s demand of ‘Mumbai for Marathi manoos’, Mr Karuananidhi replied that he did not think that there was support in Maharashtra for such a demand. In southern States, no party believed in parochialism, he said.
Tamil meet
As many as 4,625 persons had registered themselves with organisers of the World Classical Tamil Conference to be held in Coimbatore in June. Of these, 464 were foreigners, representing 48 countries. Three thousand four hundred and one abstract papers had been received.
