Tamils in Sri Lanka have to be helped in leading a happy life. No two opinions. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi's appeal for contributions in cash and kind has received overwhelming and spontaneous response not only from the people of Tamil Nadu, but from Tamilians the world over.

The big question is, how and through whom are the funds and material going to be distributed? In this, the caution sounded by the Sri Lankan MP M.K. Sivaji Lingam of Jaffna in Dindigul yesterday is apt and timely. While expressing his gratitude for offering rice, medicine and other materials in addition to funds, Sivaji appealed to the Central and the State governments to distribute the aid through international agencies like Red Cross. Otherwise, it would be used against the very Tamils for whose help these are being sent. He said that in the present situation that prevails in Sri Lanka, Tamils will not be able to use the rice sent from India. Any help that is extended before a ceasefire is implemented would reach Tamils posthumously, he warned.

He pointed out that Tamils were being tortured and murdered. In the northern parts of Sri Lanka, the Army has shelled 6.5 tonnes of bombs and innocent Tamils in their thousands have been killed. The names of several young Tamils who were secured by the army for interrogation were found only in the list of missing persons, he added.

He cited several historical evidences to prove that Tamils have been living in Sri Lanks even as early as the fifth century. However they are now being asked to leave the island nation, he said.

His seems to be a genuine concern that needs to be addressed. I feel some mechanism should be evolved so that whatever aid we are sending reaches the needy Tamils.