New Delhi: India will seek withdrawal of
emergency regulations and probe into human rights violations against Tamils in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said Thursday.
Winding up a short duration discussion on the problems of
Sri Lankan Tamils, Krishna said in the Rajya Sabha, India
would pursue with Sri Lanka for a lasting political settlement
that provides for harmonious co-existence of all communities.
"The Government of India has and will continue to
reiterate with Sri Lankan government for speedy need of
reconciliation of certain issues including early withdrawal of
emergency regulations...investigation into human rights
violation...," he said.
However, dissatisfied with his reply, members particularly
from Tamil Nadu, including those of UPA ally DMK, staged
walkout. Others to join the walkout were AIADMK, CPI and
CPI-M.
Krishna said the government is according priority to the
issues related to missing Tamils in Sri Lanka.
As members from these parties were severely critical of
the government`s response to the issue, Krishna said, "I will
convey (the) anger expressed in the House to the Sri Lankan
Foreign Minister."
To the observation that the UN report has found atrocities
against Tamils, Krishna said, "The issue has not come so far
in the formal agenda of any of UN inter-governmental body for
discussion. We are waiting so that India can take a position."
Earlier, initiating the debate, D Raja (CPI) said the
government has "betrayed" Tamils in Sri Lanka and rued that
"nobody cares for India" in the world.
PTI
