Govt to discuss issue of SL Tamils in Lok Sabha; AIADMK, DMK toughen their stand

New Delhi: The government is expected to discuss the plight of of Sri Lankan Tamils in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The discussion comes after sustained pressure by parties from Tamil Nadu but it's under a non-voting rule.

The DMK and the AIADMK toughened their stand and forced adjournment of House proceedings earlier this week. Tamil parties are up in arms after fresh allegations about human rights violations against ethnic Tamils by Sri Lankan forces.

The parties are pressing the government to take a tough stand against Sri Lanka on a UN Resolution in the coming days.

Notwithstanding intense pressure by Tamil parties, India on Wednesday maintained suspense over its position on a resolution on human rights to be moved against Sri Lanka at the UN, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh saying it will depend on the final draft. Singh maintained that India wants Sri Lanka to safeguard interest of ethnic Tamils and fulfil its "public commitment" for implementation of 13th amendment on devolution of powers.

"As regards the issue of a draft resolution expected to be tabled by the United States at the forthcoming session of UNHRC in Geneva, our decision will depend on the substance of the final text tabled in the council. We will, however, be guided by our consistent position that we support proposals that seek to advance the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect. I wish to assure the House that our Government will remain engaged with the Government of Sri Lanka to promote a

durable settlement of the Tamil problem that enables the Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka to lead a life of dignity and self-respect with equal rights," Manmohan said.

With Additional Inputs from PTI

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