The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and Global Tamil Forum (GTF) released a joint statement praising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin for “heralding a new era of pride and optimism among global Tamils” and “called for direct engagements with the Tamil Nadu government”.
The statement released this week said both the TNA and GTF hold Chief Minister Stalin in “high esteem for his inspiring leadership of the global Tamil community,” and called on the Tamil Nadu leader to give Tamils in the North-East guidance and “support”.
“Tamil Nadu has always been critical in setting Indian policies towards Sri Lanka, and it is in this context that a path setting and pragmatic approach adopted by Chief Minister Stalin will give us enormous comfort,” the statement said. “A continued focus on this issue at this critical time is crucial for the long-term peace and prosperity of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. It is also intrinsically linked with the interests of Tamils on both sides of the Palk Strait, and the greater India.”
The TNA and GTF went on to state that Tamil Nadu has “always been critical in setting Indian policies towards Sri Lanka”.
“It is feared a new Constitution under preparation could further weaken the status of the Tamil people, especially by abolishing or weakening the Provincial Councils – the only constitutional power devolution arrangement Tamil people achieved with direct Indian involvement,” it continued.
See the full text of the statement here.
The current Chief Minister has previously expressed his support for Eelam Tamils, including at the World Tamil Conference in London in 2012, where he endorsed an international investigation into the genocide that took place.
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