File photo of Union Minister of State V Narayanasamy. Photo: PTI
India today disapproved of a senior Sri Lankan official’s remarks on terrorism in that country, saying the armed conflict there was the result of Colombo depriving the Tamils of their rights.
Responding to Sri Lankan Defense Minister Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s statement that India could never absolve itself of responsibility for creating terrorism in his country, Union Minister V. Narayanasamy said the statement was unacceptable.
“As far as India is concerned, (late prime ministers), Indra and Rajiv Gandhi supported the Tamils. We even lost Rajiv Gandhi (assassinated by LTTE members) who sent Indian peacekeeping force to help the Tamils. Rajapaksa’s statement is unacceptable. Sri Lanka is responsible for terrorism as the Tamils turned to terrorism because their rights were deprived,” he told reporters at the Chennai airport here on Friday.
He added that New Delhi does not support any terrorist activities.
India has a responsibility to protect Tamils wherever they are and has pushed for an independent and credible investigation into the alleged war crimes by the Sri Lankan Army at the UNHRC, he said.
“Unfortunately, the state political parties are hiding this. The truth will eventually come out,” the state minister added to the PMO.
Fishermen’s problem
Mr. Narayanasamy also denies that the Center did not respond to attacks on fishermen from Tamil Nadu by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Indian consulate officials have been immediately asked to take steps to release the fishermen arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy, he said, adding that only negotiations between the fishermen of the two countries can provide a lasting solution to the issue.
The minister also called for increased patrolling of the area by Indian Coast Guard and Navy ships to prevent attacks on local fishermen.
Published – Apr 12, 2013 02:27 pm EST.