Friday, December 30 2005 14:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The MDMK and PMK, two constituents of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre, have cautioned the union government against entering into any defence pact with Sri Lanka, as President Mahinda Rajapakshe might 'use it to unleash violence against Tamils'.

A resolution adopted at a meeting, organised jointly by the PMK, MDMK and the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) here late last night said that any military help to Sri Lanka would harm the Tamils living in the Island republic, besides hurting the interests of the Tamils living all over the world.

India should not fall a prey to the 'machinations' of Rajapakshe, who was attempting to project an image that New Delhi backed all his anti-Tamil acts, the resolution said.

MDMK general secretary Vaiko, who was detained under POTA in 2003 for allegedly speaking in support of the outlawed LTTE, who also spoke, said that even before the MDMK voices its views, many come to the conclusion that the organisation would speak only in support of the LTTE. "But we only want to highlight the plight of the Tamils, who have been oppressed by consecutive Sri Lanka governments".

The Tamils, he said, were forced to take to arms because of the 'unimaginable oppression' unleashed on them.

PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss, addressing the meeting, asked the Centre to impress upon Rajapakshe, the need to continue with the Norwegian brokered peace talks between Sri Lankan government and the LTTE.

DK general secretary K Veeramani and Tamil National Movement leader P Nedumaran also spoke.