The Tamil Eelam Supporters Organization (Teso), headed by DMK chief M Karunanidhi, on Tuesday lauded the Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s efforts to find a political solution for the Sri Lankan Tamils issue and urged the Centre to expedite steps in that direction.

“It’s heartening to know that the Modi government has taken an interest in the Sri Lankan Tamil issue. We urge the Centre to find a political solution according to the wishes of the Tamils in Sri Lanka,” a resolution passed at a meeting of Teso in Chennai said, referring to Modi’s recent meeting with Sri Lankan Tamil MPs.

The Teso meeting was presided over by Karunanidhi. Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan and other Teso members attended the meeting held at the DMK headquarters -- Anna Arivalayam -- in Chennai.

While all the arrested Tamil Nadu fishermen were released from Sri Lankan jails, their boats remain in the custody the authorities there. This has deprived the fishermen of their livelihood.

The Teso leaders urged the Centre to intervene and find a permanent solution to the fishermen issue. It also demanded the state government and the Centre find a permanent solution to the travails of the fishermen.

The Teso meeting demanded the government allow permission to a UN team to stay in India and conduct a probe into the allegations of human rights violation in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has said it won’t give visa to the UN team.

Teso demanded that neither Sri Lankan President Rajapakse nor his representative be allowed to participate at the UN General Assembly meet to be held at headquarters in New York on September 25.

Teso will hold a demonstration in Chennai on September 3 to press for its demands. - TOI