Chennai: The war in Sri Lanka has sparked a full-fledged political agitation in Tamil Nadu. The ruling DMK is trying to balance its lacklustre opposition to the Centre's Sri Lanka policy, and its inability to address the Tamil cause in Sri Lanka effectively.

The army offensive in Sri Lanka in its final phase but in India across the sea protests against the war are growing louder in Tamil Nadu. There has been a huge public outcry following the self-immolation of a man Muthukumar on January 29. All colleges and hostels across the state have been closed indefinitely. No cases will be heard in courts because the lawyers have announced an indefinite boycott.

"Even yesterday the Sri Lankan government has bombed some place in Mullaitivu and killed hundreds of civilians. If this be the case how can we withdraw the strike? The boycott is on," said S Prabakaran, the President of the Tamil Nadu Advocates Association.

The ruling DMK government is in a tight spot. Even while the party is trying to project itself as the champion of the Tamil cause, it cannot afford to get on the wrong side of the ruling UPA ally - the Congress party.

The balancing act is turning so tricky for K Karunanidhi's government that even after receiving no encouraging response from the center, the DMK has not made its position clear.

The party now stands isolated with its own allies accusing it of double standards.

"We are not satisfied with actions of the center and that's why we have made these resolutions," said K Karunanidhi vaguely.

With the pro-Tamil political parties gaining strength in the state, the DMK is being forced to put pressure on the Centre to intervene and demand for ceasefire in Sri Lanka.

But with the Centre in no mood to relent and ironically, there is hardly anything the DMK can do because it needs the Congress' support to remain in power in Tamil Nadu.