Vaiko wants Sri Lankan Tamil American activist Sandar allowed to visit India

New Delhi, Sep 25 (ANI): Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) founder V. Gopalswamy has said that the Sri Lankan Tamils' Protection Forum would take up the issue of Dr Elin Sandar, an American who has been fighting for the cause of the Tamils living in the island nation.

Sandar, who was scheduled to reach India on September 11, was told by the Indian embassy that her visa of five years had been terminated, without citing any reasons, said Vaiko.

Speaking at a function here on Thursday, Vaiko said the forum, comprising of Tamil political parties like the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the MDMK, regional groups such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Tamil National Movement, besides the Communist Party of India, would take up the issue of Sandar.

"We decided to enable the people of India to hear the voice of Dr Elin Sandar. This is a computer world. We all are for democracy.

"India is a democracy. Therefore, the authorities cannot prevent the voice of a noble soul, who is fighting for the Tamils," Vaiko added.

Sri Lankan Tamils have historical and cultural links with about 60 million Tamils in Tamil Nadu and their fate has political repercussions in India.

Around 300,000 Sri Lankan Tamils were displaced in the final months of the offensive to wipe out the Tamil Tigers rebels, which ended on May 18.

The Sri Lankan government has pledged to resettle at least 80 percent of the total displaced people by the end of the year. (ANI)