'India dislikes SL tapping Pak, China for arms'

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Chennai, May 31: National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan today said India did not favour the Sri Lankan Government approaching either Pakistan or China for its weaponry needs.

Speaking to newsmen after an hour-long meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Secretariat here, Mr Narayanan said ''we are a big power in the region. What requirements the Lankan Government has, they should come to us.

''We do not favour them going to China or Pakistan for weaponry support,'' he said in response to a question on the possibility of the island nation approaching either of the two if its requirements for arms were not met.

On India's reaction to the proscribed LTTE's air capability, he said ''we are not in favour of a group labelled as a terrorist organisation having air capability.'' He also said India would not provide Sri Lanka with offensive capability. This reaction came when his attention was drawn to the objections raised by various political party leaders on the country providing arms support to Sri Lanka.

On objections to supply of radars to Sri Lanka, he said the radars were seen as a defensive capability and hence ''We have provided them with the equipment.''

Mr Narayanan said he held discussions with the Chief Minister on the security situation and the problems faced by fishermen in the backdrop of the frequent attacks on them allegedly by the Lankan Navy and the LTTE. The NSA had earlier met Mr Karunanidhi at New Delhi for discussing the security of the Indian fishermen.

He said ''I heard from the Chief Minister a detailed account on the problems faced by the fishermen. I assured him that the coastal security will be strengthened, especially in places like Tuticorin to ensure the protection of fishermen to the extent possible.'' On the reported suggestion for a unified command involving the Navy and the Coast Guard to strengthen coastal security, he said ''It is a good idea. We will look into it.

''We have to consult the Navy to know whether they have any problem in having a unified command.'' He recalled co-ordinated patrolling would be a better option than joint patrolling with the Lankan Navy because there 'might be some problems in joint patrolling.' On frequent incidents of firing on Indian fishermen while crossing the international maritime boundary line (IMBL), Mr Narayanan said they will be fishing wherever the catch is more, will 'either this or that side.' ''Since it is their livelihood, it will be asking for too much if we tell them not to cross the IMBL. We have told the Sri Lankan Navy that they should not fire at the Indian fishermen if they cross the boundary line.

''I also spoke to the Sri Lankan authorities and they assured us there will be no firing on the fishermen. By and large, they adhere to it.'' When pointed about the possibility of working out a lease agreement between India and Sri Lanka on fishing on the Lankan side, he said ''It is a good idea. However, I cannot say anything on it.'' He also said the five Indian fishermen were killed by Sea Tigers, the naval wing of the LTTE. ''It is fairly clear.'' Mr Narayanan admitted it was a threat to Indian fishermen and India. ''That's why we are strengthening the coastal security.''

UNI

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