In Tamil Nadu:

Fringe parties demand int'l probe, sanctions against SL

by P. Krishnaswamy

Agitations continue in Tamil Nadu by minor and fringe political groups demanding an international inquiry into the island's alleged war crimes committed during the period 2002-2012, following the adoption of a resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC on September 30.

While Sri Lanka's North and East maintained peace and quiet, Tamil Nadu has been quick and loud with their protest actions, denouncing a domestic mechanism. Leader of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) Y.Gopalsamy alias Vaiko has accused the Indian centre of adopting an anti-Tamil stance in relation to the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.An outspoken supporter of the separatist cause, Vaiko has been holding protest meetings throughout the Tamil Nadu, demanding justice for Sri Lanka's Northern Tamils. Vaiko has been alleging that Delhi has failed to adopt a strong stance in pursuit of justice for Tamils, an allegation others have spared, though supportive of an international inquiry.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss, a member of the Lok Sabha, heading the 'May 17 Movement, a name tragedizing and glorifying the LTTE in their final days at war - who had earlier urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to convene an all party conference to exert pressure on the Indian centre for an international probe - too has protested against the US resolution supporting a local mechanism.