Amidst growing pressure from UPA ally DMK and Opposition AIADMK, foreign minister S.M. Krishna told Parliament Wednesday the government would take a stand on the issue of alleged human rights violations by Sri Lanka keeping in view implications on the reconciliation process in that country.
He said the allegations against Lanka were likely to come up for a formal discussion before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 23. “India will take a view as and when the time is finalised for consideration of the draft resolution on Sri Lanka.”
Mr Krishna said India would like Lanka to “look at human rights issues in a very serious manner”, but ruled out meddling in its internal affairs.
“The issue is sensitive and India needs to consider the implications. Any assertion on India’s part may have implications on our historically friendly relations with a neighbouring country,” he said.
“We would also need to examine whether our actions will actually assist the process of reconciliation in Lanka and enhance the current dialogue between the government of Sri Lanka and Tamil parties.”
Krishna said the government would keep in mind the views and sentiments of parliamentarians before taking a final view.
Dissatisfied, AIADMK members tore copies of his statement in RS and LS. They entered the well of the lower house demanding India support the US resolution. DMK members led by T.R. Baalu walked out of Lok Sabha, which was later adjourned for half-an-hour following slogan-shouting by AIADMK members.