India could consider humanitarian aid to Lanka if sought

Replying to questions, Singh said, "There is no question of going down the IPKF route (of 1987). The question of Indian military intervention in Sri Lanka simply does not arise".

The meeting was also attended by Home Minister L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes and Commerce Minister Murasoli Maran.

Karunanidhi, who flew in here last night following a request by the Prime Minister, held consultations with the Centre on the evolving situation in Sri Lanka, Singh said, maintaining that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister brought with him a wealth of experience.

"It is Tamil Nadu which is more directly affected by the situation in Sri Lanka," Singh remarked.

Asked if the DMK leaders opposed humanitarian assistance to Colombo, Singh said, "It is a hypothetical issue. It could be considered if and when sought. I cannot say anything now".

Asked whether New Delhi would consider for any via media to resolve the Sri Lankan crisis, Singh said it was for that government to take a decision. India cannot take a decision on its behalf.

Asked to comment on India’s stand on reports suggesting that Sri Lanka had sought help from Pakistan, Singh said, "Our stand is well known to Sri Lanka. Our High Commissioner there is in constant touch with the government".

To a question whether Karunanidhi had given any suggestion to help resolve the situation, the External Affairs Minister said that there were many suggestions. "If I say what the suggestions were, then I have to say what the Sri Lankan government’s requests were".

Asked whether Karunanidhi was open to humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, Maran said, "We are partners of NDA Government. We are not tying the hands of the Government".

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government today clarified the Centre was free to take "any appropriate action" with regard to the situation in Sri Lanka, but cautioned that the "past" should not be forgotten and that there should be no "overflow" of Sri Lankan developments into the state.

"It is the Government of India’s privilege to take any appropriate action in the interest of the nation. We do not want to interfere in that," the Chief Minister Karunanidhi said in a statement after the meeting.

"We do not want to tie the hands of the Centre but we should not forget the past," he said, adding, "We do not want any overflow of Sri Lankan matter into Tamil Nadu."

Karunanidhi, who was reportedly upset that DMK was not consulted before the Cabinet Committee on Security met on Wednesday and ruled out military intervention in Sri Lanka, said the Prime Minister had a free and frank discussion on the issue.