The Supreme Court on Monday refused to restrain the Centre from training Sri Lankan armed forces saying it is a policy matter of the government and it cannot interfere with it.
A bench headed by justice Aftab Alam refused to entertain a petition seeking its direction to Centre not to provide training facilities to Sri Lankan armed forces in the country.
The bench dismissed the petition terming it “misconceived.” The petition was filed by N. Raja Raman who had approached the apex court after there were some protests from a section of the public, including politicians, against training of Sri Lankan army in India. It was alleged in the petition that nine Lankan defence personnel are currently being trained at an Indian Air Force base in Karnataka.
The petitioner pleaded that the Centre’s decision to impart training to Sri Lankan defence personnel is against the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu. “It is very unfair and not proper since the Act affects the sentiments of 10 crore Tamilians. Sri Lankan personnel should not be given any type of training in any part of the country,” Mr Raman submitted.
“The sentiments and feeling of the crores of Tamil Nadu citizens should be respected, honoured and approved by the central government. Training being given to Sri Lankan Air Force personnel may breach public peace,” the petition said.