India sensitive to TN concerns: Rao

6 July 2011 01:10 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Indian government cannot remain insensitive to the sentiments expressed by the Tamil Nadu government, the Tamil Nadu people and politicians about issues affecting the Tamil-speaking people in Sri Lanka,Indian foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told journalists.

“That is something you have to understand. It will always be there and I think you cannot dismiss those concerns. As far as the Indian government is concerned, Tamil Nadu is an integral part of India. We cannot be insensitive to what the Tamil Nadu people say. I am being frank and honest on this and we are in touch with the Tamil Nadu government to tell it about what we are doing in Sri Lanka, and about the discussions with the Sri Lankan government about helping the war-affected people. How best to help them rebuild their lives and rehabilitate them. About the development assistance and the infrastructure work that is being done.

The Sri Lankan government and the Tamil parties in Sri Lanka are talking about a political settlement. So I think our approach will be to try and inform the people in Tamil Nadu and the Tamil Nadu government about what we are doing in Sri Lanka and to emphasise that since the Indian government is responsible for foreign relations it will act in the best interest of all concerned in discussing and dealing with these issues,” Ms. Rao told the visiting journalists from Sri Lanka and the Maldives in New Delhi on Monday.

She said the Tamil Nadu government and the authorities there were conscious about the sensitive nature of India’s relations with Sri Lanka and they understood that the Indian government was doing its best do deal with these issues.

“So I will say that you must understand that such concerns may be expressed from time to time. It is only natural because as Tamil-speaking people they will express their point of view in a democracy such as ours, just as opinions are freely expressed in your country. So I think we must take all this in our stride,” she said. (KB)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 10

Thomas Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:17 AM

Central government officials are sitting on the fence and try to satisfy Tamilnadu politicians and Lankan government. Come out clean.

Fayad Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:32 AM

Ms. Nirupama Rao don't you thinks there are more issues in Tamil nadu than sri lanka
Provide the Tamil nadu people with their basis needs fist before concentrating on sri lanka.

Calistus Jayatilleke Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:44 AM

Obviously, Its nothing but a real political game which will not help the Tamils in either country.,

upulkaru Wednesday, 06 July 2011 03:06 AM

We know Indian Govt. too gives in to other state govts. Otherwise
Congress party can not remain in power. Similar situation will occur in Sri Lanka too if the govt. devolves power.

Chinaman Wednesday, 06 July 2011 03:07 AM

Yes, India can decide whether we Sri Lankans have to drive Maruties or Cherry QQs.

CEEDEEBEE Wednesday, 06 July 2011 03:11 AM

A strange use of words by the Indian's Foreign Secretary - "Issues affecting Tamil SPEAKING people". Many Singhalese and other races can speak Tamil, so is she saying that 'speaking Tamil' is an issue or is she concerned about the issues affecting Tamil people as a race?

ampare son Wednesday, 06 July 2011 03:13 AM

some tamilnadu politician tigers pupet. ordinary people dont care sri lanka.

freehit Wednesday, 06 July 2011 06:16 PM

The US has unilaterally taken over the role of world policeman, and you, India, seem to have taken over the role of ' policing ' the south Asia region.

seeni Thursday, 07 July 2011 01:55 AM

hey , u like it or not that is the reality

Steve Saturday, 09 July 2011 09:13 PM

Sri Lankan politicians are busy involving drugs. They do not care about any one in the world except Drugs.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

India sensitive to TN concerns: Rao

Comments - 10

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

April 15 declared a government holiday

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

100 Police personnel trained to target criminals operating on motorbikes

Catholic Church receives full report

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali’s possession of Gota’s Range Rover

We are struggling with severe shortage of staff – Excise Chief

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win