Lanka issue leads to House uproar
Even as the issue rocked both Houses of Parliament, India on Tuesday remained noncommittal on the question of supporting a resolution sponsored by the US, Norway and France — condemning the human rights violations in Sri Lanka in the last phase of the civil war — at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) in Geneva. In an effort to calm frayed tempers, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too wrote to DMK supremo Karunanidhi stating that the UPA government has urged the Sri Lankan authorities “to put in place a process of resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction”.
MPs cutting across party lines from Tamil Nadu, in both Houses, demanded that the government declare its stand on the issue. DMK MPs T.R. Baalu and Kanimozhi have given separate notices to the speakers of their respective houses seeking an amendment to the President’s address, which they contend does not have any reference to India’s stand on the UNHRC resolution and the plight of Tamil fishermen who come under attack from the Sri Lankan Navy.
Dr Singh, in his communication to the DMK chief, has said, “We have urged it (the Sri Lankan government) to put in place a process of resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction.”
On the controversial question of supporting the resolution, Dr Singh has said, “With regard to the resolution in the UN Human Rights Council, we are engaged with all parties in an effort to achieve an outcome that is forward looking and that ensures that rather than deepening confrontation and mistrust between the concerned parties, a way forward is found on issues related to accountability and reconciliation.”
However, the Congress’ ally, namely the DMK, exuded confidence that the government would respond positively to the demand. Ms Kanimozhi said, “We believe that the government’s action would be in tune with the rights of the Tamils living there (Sri Lanka). This is not a matter of public sentiments in one state alone but an issue involving human rights that is at the core of human existence.” In the Lok Sabha, Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee said a decision has not been taken on the matter even as he asserted that India does not support country-specific resolutions but only issue-based ones. He said, “The PM has written two letters to the Tamil Nadu CM and Karunanidhi. If members want further clarification, I will request the external affairs minister to make a brief statement.”
In the Upper House, the chairman had to repeatedly adjourn the House as member after member castigated the government over the issue. Congress MPs from Tamil Nadu met the Prime Minister to apprise him of the ground realities in the state. Thirumavalavan of the Viduthalai Chiruthai Katchi (VCK) sat on a dharna in front of the Gandhi statue inside Parliament premises with placards demanding India support the US-sponsored resolution.
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