DMK leader Karunanidhi yesterday condemned the AIADMK government for not participating and voicing its opinion in a meeting convened by the Centre to discuss voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.

Referring to Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that "a conducive atmosphere does not prevail in Sri Lanka for Tamil refugees to return there," he sought to know why it was not voiced in the meeting.

"The same opinion could have been voiced in the meet convened by the Centre and an effort could have been made to find a solution to the issue," he said, criticizing Tamil Nadu government's decision to avoid the meeting.

The Union government had convened a meet Thursday in Delhi to discuss voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees and requested Tamil Nadu to send a representative to it.

"The Centre's meet was a wonderful opportunity to speak on the status of Sri Lankan Tamils and welfare activities that are needed for them in the light of change of regime in the island nation," the DMK chief said, adding that the opportunity was lost.

"Is it not the duty of the Tamil Nadu government to convey that Sri Lanka should assure that Tamils who return there will be made to live in a good manner?" he asked.

Both India and Sri Lanka held talks in Delhi on the voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees in the country, within days of deciding to "re-engage" on the issue during a meeting between their foreign ministers.
(with inputs from Outlook)