On Wednesday, the veteran Tamil leader attacked the government that, he said, was treating the minority Tamils the same way the previous governments did. Pointing to two key issues — land and disappeared persons — the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader said: “Let me be frank. The same is not available to our people.”The tone and content of his address, moving an adjournment motion, signalled a possible shift in the Tamil leader’s engagement with the government. Positive relationshipMuch the promise initially offered by this government, which came to power with the overwhelming endorsement of Tamils and Muslims, was pegged to the positive and constructive relationship it had with the Tamil political leaders. Though in Opposition, the Tamil leaders had until now opted for cooperation over confrontation, voting favourably on its budgets and other proposals.

Source: The Hindu February 22, 2017 17:16 UTC