Resolution say the government of Sri Lanka should reciprocate as one party to the war (meaning the LTTE) has expressed its willingness for a ceasefire. The resolution also wanted the forces to be pulled back to the areas where they had been stationed before the renewed fighting.

immediate ceasefire

Speaking in the assembly, Chief Minister Karunanidhi called for an immediate ceasefire. "An immediate ceasefire is of paramount importance to mitigate the sufferings of the Tamil people in Srilanka. This is the desire of the entire tamil community of the world. Based on views that a ceasefire should be acceptable by both the parties one side has come forward to implement it".

There was nothing dramatic about the resolution at all. It was clothed in generalities and a repetition of known positions - BBC reporter in Chennai

According to BBC reporter in Chennai T. N. Gopalan, the resolution was not a surprise. He said that,"There was nothing dramatic about the resolution at all. It was clothed in generalities and a repetition of known positions. Clearly no one in Tamil Nadu seemed to be inclined to step up the pressure on the Centre."

During the assembly session, member of MDMK M.Kannappan called for economic sanctions against Sri Lanka if it didnt oblige the call for cease fire and also wanted all miltiary and financial aid to Sri Lanka to stop.

Pull back the troops

Chief Minister Karunanidhi called for political negotiations should start immediately. "The Government of Srilanka should also announce a ceasefire and pull back their troops to their earlier positions. Also they should enter into negotiations to find a political solution to the issues of the tamil people. The Tamilnadu assembly emphasises that these steps should be taken immediately".

Sri Lanka government had repeatedly ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire at present. They say only possible way for initiating political negotiations and ceasefire would be for Tamil Tigers to lay down the arms.