Front leaders singing different tune

NEW DELHI: The components of AIADMK-led are not on the same page on the Lankan issue, according to reports.

Besides the Left distancing itself from Jayalalithaa���s Eelam demand, CPI and CPM seem to be singing different tunes on Colombo���s announcement to end combat operations. A day after CPI described the latest developments over Sri Lanka as ���deceptive���, CPM welcomed the decision to end combat operations.

���The decision of the Lankan government to halt combat operations using heavy weapons and airplanes is welcome. This should open the way for the rescue of the tens of thousands of the Tamil civilian population who are still in the war zone. LTTE has to stop holding the people by force and facilitate their safe passage,��� CPM polit bureau said in a statement here. It said the Lankan government should allow the International Red Cross and other agencies to enter the affected areas.

The statement is in complete contrast to CPI leader D Raja���s assertions that without a political package there cannot be any cessation of hostilities in Sri Lanka.

���There is no let up in the war and Sri Lanka has not given up the war. There is no intention of giving a political package to Tamils. India cannot be so naive and not understand this,��� he had said after the announcement that came within hours of TN CM M Karunanidhi going on an indefinite fast.