‘India working out stand on resolution’

15 March 2013 11:05 am

India is in the process of working out its stand on the UN Resolution against Sri Lanka, government today said with an emphasis that there should be accountability besides an “impartial, independent and transparent” probe into allegations of atrocities on Tamils.

External affairs minister Salman Khurshid made a statement in the Rajya Sabha in the wake of demands made by DMK and AIADMK that India should support a US-moved resolution at UNHRC condemning killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka and holding of an independent inquiry.

“We are in the process of finalising our response. As soon as final view is taken, we will come back to the House,” he said.

He said the process for a decision on the resolution is underway and India has already started engaging with other countries to finalise its view on the resolution.

“Since anxiety has been expressed, the process for resolution is now underway. We are engaging with all member countries. We are absolutely committed. Whatever steps are necessary, will be taken by the government,” he said.

The minister also said, “There must be accountability and there must be a fair participation. A life of dignity must be ensured (to Tamils in Sri Lanka). We are in pursuit of this objective.”

Mr Khurshid said investigation must be “impartial, independent and transparent” and said India remained committed to this cause.

DMK and AIADMK earlier demanded that government support a US-based resolution at the UNHRC condemning killing of Tamils in Sri Lanka and institution of an independent inquiry.

Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha soon after it met for the day, Tiruchi Siva (DMK) said students in Tamil Nadu are on agitation. “The state of Tamil Nadu is burning,” he said demanding that India support the UN resolution condemning war crimes. He also sought to know India's stand in Geneva.

Mr V Maitreyan (AIADMK) said students will intensify their agitation after 22 March and the government should strengthen the USA resolution by condemning the genocide. (PTI)