PM Urged Not to Attend CHOGM

Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan on Thursday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and urged him that India should boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) summit in Lanka keeping in mind the sentiments of Tamil Nadu parties.

"India has not taken any final decision on the Commonwealth summit," he told reporters after meeting the Prime Minister, adding "it would be announced at an appropriate time".

Vasan said he met the Prime Minister to apprise him of the view of the people in Tamil Nadu and the unanimous resolution adopted by the state assembly demanding that India "completely" boycott CHOGM in Sri Lanka next month. The Union Minister said that the Prime Minister gave him a patient hearing. "The Prime Minister informed that he would act keeping the sentiments of people of Tamil Nadu in mind over Sri Lanka. He had assured to take a good decision," he stated. Vasan said he had also highlighted the problems faced by fishermen. "The Prime Minister expressed his concern on the fishermen's problems. The Centre is working towards creating an environment to resolve the issue soon," he said. Meanwhile, DMK president M Karunanidhi on Thursday said the Congress would face consequences if PM Manmohan Singh participates.

Responding to a query on reports about Congress permitting Manmohan Singh to attend the CHOGM, he said: "Going by the reports, it seems the PM is likely to attend the summit.”