Lok Sabha likely to discuss Lankan Tamils issue

With Tamil parties adopting a tough stand on Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Lok Sabha is likely to have a discussion on the matter on Thursday under a rule which does not entail voting.

In an attempt to mount pressure on the Government, MPs of DMK, a major partner of the ruling UPA, today attended House proceedings wearing black shirts after staging a protest inside the Parliament House complex.

Expressing solidarity with agitating members, DMK representative in the Government, Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimackam also wore a black shirt though he did not participate in the protest.

Speaker Meira Kumar may allow a short duration discussion on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue on Thursday under Rule 193, which doesn't entail voting, sources said.

The issue was raised vociferously by AIADMK members, who trooped into the Well of Lok Sabha twice raising slogans.

Outside Parliament, DMK MPs staged a protest carrying placards which read 'Save Tamils in Sri Lanka'.