August 12, 2011Leaders of various political parties, including the BJP, on Friday expressed solidarity with Tamils in Sri Lanka, saying they will continue to raise their voice until everyone responsible for the “genocide” there are brought to justice.
At a protest rally here organised by MDMK chief Vaiko to protest the Centre’s “silence” on the U.N. report, BJP’s Yashwant Sinha and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan criticised the government for citing China’s growing influence as a reason for India’s engagement with Sri Lanka.
Mr. Sinha, who was External Affairs Minister during the NDA regime, criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his reported remarks that India cannot impose economic sanctions against Sri Lanka as it would encourage China to displace it as a strategic and trading partner of the island nation.
“This shows mere helplessness that we have lost all out clout and friends and that we have to surrender ourselves to China. It is a matter of shame for our country and it is matter of greater shame for the government,” he said.
Dr. Singh, the BJP leader said, made the remarks when Mr. Vaiko met him last week demanding economic sanctions against Sri Lanka.
Mr. Sinha suggested to Mr. Vaiko to organise a rally in Tamil Nadu in which he would also participate.
“I will also join you and we will all set sail for Sri Lanka and go there and tell the world that India is with you.
We will mount an unarmed attack on Sri Lanka. We would like to tell the world that Indians are solidly behind the Eelam Tamils,” he said.
“We are not going to give up till all those people involved in genocide are brought to justice,” Mr. Sinha said.
Ecohing his views, Mr. Paswan said the LJP would raise its voice for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils both inside and outside Parliament.
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AlJazeeraEnglish
Tamil protesters in India have called for Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to be hanged following the final offensive in the island’s war - but demonstrators have been labelled as ‘terrorists’ by authorities [EPA]
There was a protest, unannounced, not sanctioned by police, on July 9 in Chennai - the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Outside the Sri Lankan Airlines office, around 30 “youth” blocked a busy road for about 30 minutes. The police arrived, broke up the protest, and arrested 11 protesters on the (usual) charge of public disturbance. The “public”, however, heard the protesters’ demands, which were repeated in the media.
They were demanding that the Indian government implement resolutions passed by Tamil Nadu’s assembly the month previously to economically blockade Sri Lanka. For president Rajapaksa to be indicted as a war criminal, responsible for the genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka in 2009. For Sri Lanka to stop killing and attacking fishermen from Tamil Nadu who “stray” into its waters.
Later, while at the police station to enquire after those arrested earlier, three other protesters were arrested. In the evening, all 14 were released.
Full Story»>
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In India, one protest results in two stories
AlJazeeraEnglish
Tamil protesters in India have called for Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to be hanged following the final offensive in the island’s war - but demonstrators have been labelled as ‘terrorists’ by authorities [EPA]
There was a protest, unannounced, not sanctioned by police, on July 9 in Chennai - the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Outside the Sri Lankan Airlines office, around 30 “youth” blocked a busy road for about 30 minutes. The police arrived, broke up the protest, and arrested 11 protesters on the (usual) charge of public disturbance. The “public”, however, heard the protesters’ demands, which were repeated in the media.
They were demanding that the Indian government implement resolutions passed by Tamil Nadu’s assembly the month previously to economically blockade Sri Lanka. For president Rajapaksa to be indicted as a war criminal, responsible for the genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka in 2009. For Sri Lanka to stop killing and attacking fishermen from Tamil Nadu who “stray” into its waters.
Later, while at the police station to enquire after those arrested earlier, three other protesters were arrested. In the evening, all 14 were released.
Full Story»>
