Centre urged to ensure rehabilitation of displaced SL Tamils

"At a time when we are celebrating the Independence day, Centre should at least now ensure that the Sri Lankan Tamils lodged in camps are sent back to their places of origin and ensured equal status on par with Sinhalas," she said in her Independence Day address here.

Jayalalithaa, after unfurling the tricolour, recalled her government's various populist schemes such as providing laptops to students, mixer, grinder and fan, milch cows and goats - all free of cost- and said that all these were aimed at betterment of the people.

She also warned of strict action against anyone in the state causing disturbance to general public.

The Chief Minister also announced a hike in monthly pension of freedom fighters from Rs 5000 to Rs 7000.

Holding that freedom came within limits and one should not exceed those limits, the Chief Minister said that dignity and discipline should be upheld at all times.

"The government of your dear sister is striving towards ensuring this type of freedom. One's personal freedom should not be misused to affect others or create disturbance to public and who ever does this will be dealt with strictly according to legal provisions, she said.