500 Tamils have taken refuge in the last two months — Karunanidhi

The Chief Minister said the Centre was meeting the entire expenditure towards their maintenance and the state was rendering the requisite cooperation.

To a query, he said there were some problems in bringing to the Indian mainland refugees who were being dropped by illegal ferry operators in small islets `within Sri Lankan waters’.

On the criticism levelled by some opposition leaders that the loan extended by India would be utilised by Sri Lanka only for the purchase of arms and ammunitions, he said it was nothing but humanitarian assistance offered to a neighbouring country.

When his reaction was sought to a reported remark made by PMK leader Dr S Ramadoss that some restrictions were being imposed in the state on talking or acting on the Tamil Eelam, Karunanidhi said his government was particular about maintaining extreme caution whenever issues were raised on sensitive topics such as a banned organisation. He clarified that the intention was not to curb Ramadoss’ rights of speech or writing.

Reacting to apprehensions expressed by farmers over the low level of water in the Mettur reservoir, Karuanidhi said drought conditions were prevailing in Karnataka as was the case in Tamil Nadu. He expressed hope that the situation would improve.

On the BJP’s observance of the 25th anniversary of the Emergency rule imposed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi, he said remembering the “dark days” would pave the way to prevent it from being repeated in the country.

Questioned if any party had evinced interest to join the NDA led by the DMK in the state to contest the Assembly polls, due next year, he said there was no hurry as elections were almost a year away.

The Chief Minister warned of action against those who resorted to road-blockades on even small issues. A misconception was being entertained that those arrested by police would be let free in the evening, he said.

To a question, he ruled any review of the free power supply to farmers in the state.

On the match-fixing controversy in cricket, Karunandihi, an ardent follower of the sport, said cricket had now become synonymous with corruption.