Called by the CPI, the meeting, however, did not see the participation of major parties like the DMK, the AIADMK, the Congress, the DMDK, the VCK or even its Left ally the CPM. It was attended by representatives from the PMK, the MDMK and a host of fringe parties and organisations supportive of the Lankan Tamils.

Though the absentee parties demand an immediate ceasefire to save innocent Tamils caught between the warring parties, they did not participate in the meeting due to differences of opinion about the ways to address the issue.

The CPI, on the other hand, maintained that the meeting was necessary as the Centre failed to ensure ceasefire in Lanka as appealed by all sections of Tamils from the state. After the Lankan Government turned down the suggestion of peaceful negotiations to settle the long-drawn conflict, it was necessary to discuss the future course of action, leaders said.

The proposed hartal in Tamil Nadu on November 25 will reiterate their demand for a ceasefire to the Centre, said state secretary D Pandian, urging all establishments to close their shutters on the day.

Ruling out difference of opinion with the DMK camp on the latest ‘all-party’ meeting, Pandian said the parties were together on this issue that affects thousands of Tamils. The Chief Minister, Pandian pointed out, had reiterated in Coimbatore on Sunday that only a ceasefire would satisfy his party.

It was for the Centre to come out with a clear stance on ensuring ceasefire in Sri Lanka, he said, warning that the parties would meet again in future to decide on the matter if such an assurance did not materialise.

Meanwhile, a group of techies working with various IT companies in the city formed a human chain on Monday demanding ceasefire.

On Sunday, film actor Vijay had staged a hunger strike along with his family and friends on the issue, which many see as the actor’s first step into active politics.