Ramadass urges PM to persuade SL govt for talks

Pondicherry, June 26: PMK MP from Pondicherry Prof M Ramadass today urged Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to persuade both the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE to come to negotiating table.

In a letter addressed to Dr Singh, a copy of which was released to the press, Mr Ramadass said it was unfortunate that even after prolonged international mediation, the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE were in a battle mode, killing innocent people.

He said this had brought the ethnic issue again to the fore, putting the strategic interests of India at stake.

''India should not involve itself in any negotiation, but encourage Norway and the European Union to go ahead with their mediation. India should provide immediate assistance for hastening the process,'' he added.

India must keep a close watch on the mediation and insist every detail be communicated to New Delhi through the Embassy, he noted.

He said India must also keep close watch on China and Pakistan on this issue and not allow these countries to fish in troubled waters by fomenting anti-India tendencies either in Sri Lanka or in SAARC forum. The armed forces along the coast line should help Sri Lankan Tamil refugees stranded at sea to reach the shores, he added.

He also urged the Prime Minister to ensure that Tamil refugees coming to Mandapam or any other place in Tamil Nadu receive immediate succour and adequate facilities.

The Centre should also protect the Tamil Nadu fishermen from harassment by the Sri Lankan Navy, he urged.

To examine the issue comprehensively, the government should consider constituting a high-power committee of specialists on Sri Lankan matters to evolve a well thought out policy, which should be implemented by the government at the earliest.

UNI

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