Tamil politician rapped for remarks

Delhi says its position remains unchanged

By Vipul Mudgal in Delhi

A statement by a senior Tamil politician in India, M Karunanidhi, suggesting that Sri Lanka be divided as a way out of its ethnic conflict has been widely criticised.

Mr Karunanidhi, who is the chief minister of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said that Sri Lanka should either devolve more rights to the Tamils or follow the Czech model and split into two nations.

India's opposition parties have alleged that the governing coalition in Delhi, of which Mr Karunanidhi's party is a member, is speaking in conflicting tones.

But the government says there is no change in India's position on the issue.

'Personal opinion'

Defence Minister George Fernandes said individuals might have different views but the Indian Government is committed to Sri Lanka's unity.

M Karunanidhi: Controversial remarks

Mr Fernandes said coalition partners were free to air their views but they must also observe discipline.

He said Mr Karunanidhi's views were his personal opinion and did not reflect any change in the Indian Government's position.

But opposition parties, led by the main Congress party, have alleged that Mr Karunanidhi's remarks reflect confusion in the governing coalition over this sensitive issue.

Left critical

Congress party spokesman Ajit Jogi said Mr Karunanidhi's statement was objectionable and smacked of irresponsibility.

Mr Jogi also said his party was not satisfied with the government's policy on Sri Lanka.

Left-wing politicians have been equally critical of Mr Karunanidhi.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said the division of Sri Lanka would have dangerous consequences in the region.

The general secretary of the Communist Party of India, A B Bardhan, said Mr Karunanidhi had shown his ignorance by talking about the Czech model.