CPI questions Indian Govt’s “studied silence” on SL Tamils issue

Saturday, 9 July 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

New Delhi (PTI): CPI today questioned India’s “studied silence” on allegations that thousands of Tamil civilians were killed by the Sri Lankan army during the final phase of the civil war and said it would raise the issue in Parliament during the Monsoon session.

“Thousands of Tamil civilians were massacred in Sri Lanka during the civil war. While British and French foreign ministers and the UN General Secretary have expressed their solidarity, why has India maintained a studied silence?” asked CPI General Secretary A.B. Bardhan.

He said CPI will take up the issue in the monsoon session of the Parliament and put pressure on the government to take a stand.

Bardhan was addressing CPI workers who had gathered at Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Lankan Tamils who were allegedly killed by the Sri Lankan Army during the last days of the 30-year civil war.

“The Rajapaksa government must take an initiative to ensure a fair trial and bring justice to the families of the victims. Besides, there should be devolution of powers and the displaced Tamils must be allowed to return home,” party National Secretary D. Raja said.

Accusing the UPA government of adopting “double standards” and following a “flawed foreign policy” on Sri Lanka, Raja asked the Centre to exert more pressure on the Rajapaksa government to “alleviate the suffering of Tamils in the country”.

“Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently said that the government was putting pressure on Rajapaksa government to probe into the alleged massacre. The Lankan President the very next day said that he was not under pressure from India whom do we believe?” asked Raja.

The demonstration was also attended by AIADMK MP Thambidurai and CPI MP T. Lingam.