Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko demanded here on Monday that Sri Lanka be suspended from the Commonwealth for alleged war crimes.
Talking to presspersons after meeting president of Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) leader Kolathur Mani in the Salem Central Prison, he recalled that Pakistan, Nigeria, Uganda and Fiji had been suspended from the Commonwealth in the past.
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“The suspension will be the best lesson for Sri Lanka for the atrocities against Tamils.
“It will not make a big difference even if India does not participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka, as our country’s desired resolution would be passed by those participating in the meeting,” he said.
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Mr. Vaiko condemned the arrest of Mr. Mani and three other activists for their alleged involvement in the hurling of burning kerosene-soaked sacks on the Income Tax office on October 30. The MDMK leader claimed that this was an effort of the State government to control the sentiments of the people in the State for the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
“He [Kolathur Mani] was not connected with the incident but was arrested around 2.30 a.m. as if he were a terrorist,” Mr. Vaiko alleged.
The DVK founder was detained under the National Security Act in the past on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. He proved himself innocent in the court, Mr. Vaiko said.