Amid the diplomatic parleys to chalk out India’s stand at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva on the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has categorically said the stress will be on an impartial and transparent enquiry into allegations of atrocities against them.
Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on Friday in response to the anguish of the DMK and the AIADMK that the students’ agitation in Tamil Nadu protesting the alleged genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka might get out of control, Mr. Khurshid said India was in the process of deciding on the resolution to be adopted at the UNHRC meeting.
Enunciating the process undertaken to finalise the resolution, the Minister pointed out the efforts at engaging all member-countries in pursuit of the government’s commitment for a life of dignity and equality to Tamils in Sri Lanka. That had been the objective of the resolution last year, he pointed out, adding the government would do whatever was needed.
“The government is committed and whatever steps are needed will be taken,” Mr. Khurshid asserted.
He promised to get back to the House and inform the members of the government‘s stand as and when finalised.
Apart from a life of dignity and equality for Tamils, New Delhi would also insist on accountability and fair participation.
Both the DMK and the AIADMK insisted that the government move its own resolution at the UNHRC meeting.
Emphasising that the students were on the streets in Tamil Nadu, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva demanded that the government at least support the U.N. resolution and condemn the war crimes and institute an impartial international inquiry into the instances of human rights violations.
AIADMK apprehensive
AIADMK leader V. Maitreyan expressed apprehension that efforts were on to dilute the resolution. He warned that such an action would be unacceptable to the people of Tamil Nadu.
The issue was also raised in the Lok Sabha by T.R. Baalu (DMK) and M. Thambi Durai (AIADMK).
