UNHRC resolution on Lanka: India Govt to keep in mind implications

New Delhi, Mar 14 (PTI) The ruling Indian UPA coalition partner DMK from the southern state of Tamil Nadu along with AIADMK stepped up pressure for India's support to a UN resolution against Sri Lanka, but the government made it clear that its stand on the issue will be firmed up keeping in view the implications on the reconciliation process in that country. Making a statement in Parliament, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said India would like Sri Lanka to "look at their human rights issue in a very serious manner", even as he ruled out any meddling in the internal affairs of the island nation. He said the issue was sensitive and India needs to consider the implications carefully. "Any assertion on India's part may have implications on our historically friendly relations with a neighbouring country," he said in identical statements in both the Houses. "We are engaged with all parties in an effort to achieve a forward looking outcome that is based on reconciliation and accountability rather than deepening confrontation and mistrust between the concerned parties," Krishna said. He said since the human rights allegations against Sri Lanka are yet to come up for formal discussion at the 19th Session of UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, India will take a view "as and when the time is finalised for consideration" of the draft resolution on Sri Lanka. "We would also need to examine whether our actions will actually assist in the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka, and enhance the current dialogue between the Government of Sri Lanka and Tamil parties, including the Tamil National Alliance," said Krishna. AIADMK members, also belonging to Tamil Nadu, were dissatisfied with his statement and its members tore copies of the statement in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. In Lok Sabha, the lower house, they entered the Well demanding that India should support the UN resolution. DMK members led by T R Baalu walked out of the Lok Sabha which was later adjourned for about for about half an hour following slogan shouting by AIADMK members. AIADMK along with DMK and Left parties are demanding that India should support the resolution moved by the US, France and Norway against the alleged atrocities committed on Sri Lankan Tamils during the civil war. Dissatisfied with the reply of the government, Communist Party of India leader D Raja also announced that his party members were walking out from the Rajya Sabha. However, by then the Chair had already adjourned the House for lunch break. Assuring the House that the Government will keep in mind the views and sentiments expressed by members in the House before taking a final view on the resolution, Krishna later told the MPs while replying to clarifications sought that "when human rights are violated, India is not going to be lulled into complacency." While noting that India's objectives, as always, continue to remain the achievement of a future for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka that is marked by equality, dignity, justice and self-respect, he said, "we would certainly like Sri Lanka to look at their human rights issue in a very serious manner." At the same time, he made it clear that "meddling with internal affairs of another country is certainly not" keeping in tune with the best traditions of Indian foreign policy. The minister assurance that India is committed to see that the Sri Lankan government implemented all the major recommendations of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), however, did not satisfy the members from the Opposition and ally DMK. "Nothing short of an assurance here that Government of India will unequivocally support the resolution in the UNHRC will pacify," T Siva of DMK said. PTI