Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram feels the DMK’s threat to pull out of the UPA Government over the Sri lanka issue will soon blow over, like the proverbial storm in a teacup.
The Minister said there would be good news on March 22 from Geneva, where the United Nations Human Rights Council is to debate the Sri lankan issue.
Addressing a rally organised by local Congress leaders at Karaikudy, Chidambaram’s hometown in Sivaganga district late on Saturday, the Minister said India should support the US resolution against Sri lanka at the UNHRC meeting, even if it called for an independent and reliable probe into the alleged war crimes in 2009 against ethnic Tamils on the island nation.
“My sentiments, your sentiments, and the sentiments of all Tamils are that if the resolution contains such a demand, India should support and vote in favour of it,” he said.
The Finance Minister’s statement comes immediately after DMK chief M Karunanidhi sounded the possibility of his party cutting ties with the UPA Government if India fails to take a strong stance against Sri lanka.
Chidambaram, whom Karunanidhi wants as next Prime Minister, said he expected “good news” and that people should wait till March 22 (the day the UNHRC votes on the Sri lankan issue) before any reactions. “Maintain patience till then. I am confident and I am giving you this positive feeling, continue spreading this among all till March 22,”
he said.
The Finance Minister’s observations and promises came amid reports of growing unrest among a section of the student community in the State, who are on indefinite fast - the seventh day on Sunday. They are demanding the Union Government vote against the Sri lankan Government for its alleged atrocities on and violation of human rights of Tamils in the island nation.