NEW DELHI: Though MPS from Tamil Nadu have been mounting pressure on the Centre to back the US-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka, the government on Wednesday said that all implications had to be studied before taking a position on “sensitive issues” and it was pushing Colombo to enhance dialogue with Tamil politicians in the island nation.
“On sensitive issues we need to consider the implications of our actions carefully. Any assertions on our part may impact our friendly-ties with a neighbouring country,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in a statement on the “the situation in Sri Lanka” in both houses of Parliament.
However, he did not clarify which way the government will vote on the US-initiated draft resolution in the UNHRC in Geneva. “The issue of human rights allegations against Lanka is yet to come up for formal discussion at the UNHRC. A view on this issue will be taken as and when the time is finalised for consideration of the draft resolution,” said Krishna, adding that the Parliament would be informed once a final view was taken.
Defending the Lankan government indirectly he said that the Island Nation has initiated a number of measures based on the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission report. Not surprisingly, Krishna’s statement was greeted by howls of protest from the non-Congress benches, including the DMK. In Rajya Sabha, AIADMK member A Elavarasan tore the statement, littered the paper pieces on the aisles and walked out.
In Lok Sabha, the consequent chaos witnessed the DMK leader T R Baalu leading a walk-out of his party members, after which the chair adjourning the House for 30 minutes in the afternoon. DMK’s Rajya Sabha member Tiruchy Siva termed that Krishna’s statement as a “xerox copy of what the Sri Lankan Government says.” Kanimozhi, who asked Krishna on what basis did the India reposed faith on Lanka, said, “Mr Krishna had stated that Lanka had agreed to implement 13th amendment plus. But, the Lankan PM said that he had not made any such statement.”
CPI member D. Raja said that India had to take a “moral position” on the issue, while Congress member B S Gnanadesikan said that before a final view was taken, the government should take into confidence MPs from TN.