Night-long vigil by Tamils in UK

19 May 2011 02:43 pm - 34 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Hundreds of British Tamils held a night-long “vigil” at Trafalgar Square, central London, to press their demand for an independent international investigation into allegations of human rights abuses against the Sri Lankan Government.

In a letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron, delivered to Downing Street, the British Tamil Forum (BTF) which organised the vigil with other local groups urged him to intervene to facilitate such an investigation.

A UN report, it said, had “concluded” that there was “credible evidence to institute an independent inquiry into the conduct of the war in Sri Lanka”.

No confidence in probe

The letter said that the Tamil people had “no confidence” in the Sri Lankan Government’s ability to conduct an impartial probe alleging that previous commissions of inquiry appointed by the Government had “proved ineffective and a sham”.

“It continues to defy calls for an inquiry despite irrefutable and compelling evidences including video recordings showing cold blooded summary executions of prisoners of war,” it added, describing the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), appointed by the Government, as “an attempt to deflect mounting international calls for an independent inquiry”.

Protesters, who waved placards and raised slogans, were addressed by MPs from the three main parties — Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats — besides representatives of human rights groups, including “Stop the War Coalition”.

“As Tamils, we have been waiting for two long years to this day, seeking justice for our dead, injured and orphaned in many thousands,” said Father SJ Emmanuel., president of the Global Tamil Forum.

Suren Surendran, official spokesman for BTF, said his group planned to step up its campaign to “seek justice”.

thehindu.com

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Comments - 34

ind Friday, 20 May 2011 04:19 AM

May be the concept Democracy.

Leela Samaradivakara Thursday, 19 May 2011 10:18 PM

Weeping for Velu or thinking about thier refugee applications?

Kalu Sudda Thursday, 19 May 2011 10:27 PM

With or without Big Macs?

faqi Thursday, 19 May 2011 11:04 PM

How about calling for an International investigation by the Tamils against the atrocities committed by the LTTE against the Tamils. Muslims and Sinhalese.

Krushnar Thursday, 19 May 2011 11:59 PM

If they dont protest then they have to be back to SL. so they must continue thier protest or they will lose thier luxurious life

raj Friday, 20 May 2011 12:00 AM

no one can calim that he/she is war hero if he/she is accussed of commiting war crimes!

Binatan Friday, 20 May 2011 04:06 AM

There should be another terrorist attack on england so that england will ban terrorist groups for good. What about sinhalese people that were killed during the 30years of war. Y is everyone complaining about the ending part of the war??

roast Friday, 20 May 2011 04:19 AM

Nothing happens.. UK people will not tolerate the tamils dirty behavior which they have shown so many times in recent past.

ind Friday, 20 May 2011 04:18 AM

Yes, for last 30 years, only 2 weeks were considered. They have neglected all mascares took place in Kent Farm, Dollar farm, Kathankudy, Aranthalawa, Srimaha bodhiya, Pettah and all over the country. Killing of more than 100,000 thousand innocent Tamil, Sinhala and Muslim people by LTTE.

DeSelva Thursday, 19 May 2011 09:59 PM

The international community must keep the pressure untill war crimes are dealt with.

ind Friday, 20 May 2011 04:24 AM

Well said. Only Tamils live in Sri Lanka should be considered.

resplendant Friday, 20 May 2011 04:42 AM

Another waste of money and time. Actions such as these will only make the Sinhalese more and more distant from the Sinhalese. The Tamil community should realize that no body can give them a just and a lasting solution except the majority Sinhalese. A forced solution will guarantee another 30 years of civil unrest. Think !

zorro Friday, 20 May 2011 05:28 AM

let us investigate the charges against the LTTE too!

RF Friday, 20 May 2011 06:25 AM

I guess you too were sleeping for the last 30 years when LTTE was going on with their mass murdering...

shamil Saturday, 21 May 2011 10:58 AM

uk please send these wise people out of your country to our country rest we will take care.

Suren Soysa Sunday, 29 May 2011 04:24 PM

No need to wait any more to see what happens - works were given well & truly. It will be another Mavil Aru!

Suren Soysa Sunday, 29 May 2011 04:36 PM

If chargers against the LTTE is proved all Sri Lankan Tamils in UK,France,Norway,US,Canada & Australia should be deported back to North, East & south.

Bumba Thursday, 19 May 2011 04:51 PM

UK is the country where democracy was born. Anyone can protest and say anything.

SL Thursday, 19 May 2011 03:12 PM

Like we care!

Dinithi Thursday, 19 May 2011 03:29 PM

Waving flags of the terrorist group LTTE and seeking justice for the people who were killed by the LTTE does not make much sense.

Bumba Thursday, 19 May 2011 03:30 PM

Keep the pressure. I guess there will be no more Oxford lectures.

Jin Pappa Thursday, 19 May 2011 03:29 PM

Wanted more trawlers for asylum seekers!

semage Thursday, 19 May 2011 03:34 PM

Why these people demanding an investigating of just the last part of 25 years war. What they were doing all this time

Konde Bendapuchhena Thursday, 19 May 2011 04:02 PM

who cares

Gemba Thursday, 19 May 2011 04:30 PM

When will the tamil brethren protest against the atrocities committed by the late Mr.Prbakaran ?

Dinithi Thursday, 19 May 2011 04:28 PM

I hear Sanga is going to give a lecture on cricket. Stop that if you can!!

Terroristbug Thursday, 19 May 2011 03:08 PM

Probably more asylam applications are still pending...

samuel thyagarajah Thursday, 19 May 2011 05:16 PM

this reminds me of the 6 hour fast unto death by m. karunanidhi. all tamils living in countries other than sri lanka must mind their own business. they have ruined our people and are still continuing to do so...

Vijayabahu Thursday, 19 May 2011 05:59 PM

who cares.....

Ajith Lanka Thursday, 19 May 2011 06:08 PM

After the USA went into Pakistan and murdered OBL an Independent commission for the crushing of barbaric terrorists in frontal battle conditions is HIGHLY unlikely you cowardly time wasters.

Lankanlion Thursday, 19 May 2011 06:30 PM

May the criminals get punished soon by UN

mavil aru Thursday, 19 May 2011 07:16 PM

You may not care but the civilised world cares. Just you wait and see what happens.

CJ Thursday, 19 May 2011 07:29 PM

Was ______ qualified to give any speech in oxford? my foot

DeSelva Thursday, 19 May 2011 09:34 PM

you cared to respond so you do care

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Night-long vigil by Tamils in UK

Comments - 34

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