SFI's call for uttrakhand relief fund collection

A colossal tragedy has struck Uttarakhand in recent days, with hundreds of lives lost (the death toll is rising everyday) and whole villages, roads and communication links wiped out. Rescue and evacuation operations are still going on in the worst-affected regions of the state, and need to be continued on a war-footing. SFI demands that the Central Government extend every help needed to the State government in relief operations.

The State Government, apart from making full use of its own machinery to provide relief to those affected, must also strive to harness and channelise the collective energy of various organisations for the purpose. It must also investigate the role that the indiscriminate tunnelling of hills by power projects and the uncleared dumps of silt had to play in this calamity. As the unfolding disaster shows, the result of a development strategy feeding upon untrammelled deforestation and unchecked construction activities has turned out to be catastrophic.

The CEC of SFI extends its deep condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, and stands in solidarity with the lakhs of people affected. It calls upon its units all over the country to collect funds and materials urgently for relief to the affected people.

Yechury's Letter to PM

The following letter to the Prime Minister on the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils has been sent by Sitaram Yechury, member, Polit Bureau and leader, CPI(M) Group in the Rajya Sabha.  We are releasing the text of the letter to the press for publication.

Dear Dr. Manmohan Singhji,

It was a relief to hear your comments expressing dismay, as reported by the media, at the suggestion that the Government of Sri Lanka planned to dilute certain key provisions of the 13^th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution ahead of elections to the Northern Provincial Council. 

It was noted that the proposed changes raised doubts about the commitments made by the Sri Lankan Government to India and the international community, including the United Nations, on a political settlement in Sri Lanka that would go beyond the 13^th Amendment.  The changes would also be incompatible with the recommendation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), set up by the Government of Sri Lanka, calling for a political settlement based on the devolution of power to the provinces. 

There is deep concern in India about the welfare and well being of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka and hoping that the Sri Lankan Tamil community would lead a life of dignity, as equal citizens, in Sri Lanka. 

I would urge you to ensure that the Government of India plays a proactive diplomatic role in discharging its commitment for a future for the Sri Lankan Tamil community marked by equality, justice and self-respect. Needless to add, this 13^th Amendment was the consequence of the historic Rajiv-Jayawardene Accord.  It is, thus, expected that India plays a role in the implementation of the provisions of the Accord, while strengthening the best of relations between our two sovereign countries.