^{File photograph. M K Stalin, current president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).}

DMK leader M K Stalin called on Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to press Sri Lankan leaders on the issue of Eelam Tamils, stating that the issue needs to be “seriously” acted on.

Stalin released a statement which called on Modi to act, noting that “dignity and self-respect” for Eelam Tamils should be acted on reports the Hindustan Times.

The statement also went on to criticise the Sri Lankan military’s overwhelming presence across the North-East, where tens of thousands of troops are stationed.

“After swearing-in as the new president of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya has passed orders to increase armed forces in Tamil areas of the island nation,” Stalin said in a statement. “Rajapaksa brothers have also started to change the Tamil names of streets in Northern and Eastern Province. DMK condemns this strongly.”

“Rights provided by the island nation’s constitution to the Sri Lankan Tamils and a solution, which the Tamils expect, should also be fulfilled,” he added.

“Modi should speak to Gotabaya to resolve the Sri Lankan Tamil’s issue properly. The Indian PM is in a position to put out the fire which burns against Tamils in the heart of Gotabaya. So, I hope PM would insist Gotabaya that Tamil people’s interest are looked after.”