The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) called on the Indian government to take “an active role in resolving the Tamil national question in Sri Lanka” and for closer engagement with Tamil diaspora groups across the world.

Speaking to the New Indian Express, GTF spokesperson Suren Surendiran said India’s role is vital “not just as the regional super power but as the closest neighbour who also has a large Tamil constituency”.

“Historically, India has played an active role in attempting to resolve the Tamil national question,” he said and called for “formal engagement and acknowledgement” by the Indian government with the Tamil diaspora.

Stating that although progress has been made on the island, Mr Surendiran said it has been “very slow” and highlighted a number of steps that the Sri Lankan government was yet to take.

“Large swathes of private land are still illegally occupied by the military, disproportionate number of military personnel still remain in the North and East, intimidation and arbitrary arrests still continue, military remains engaged in day to day life of Tamils in North and East, sexual violence continue against the tens of thousands of war widows and others ,over two hundred political prisoners still remain in custody without being charged, the Prevention of Terrorism Act is still not repealed, (and) above all the Tamil National Question remains unresolved, although a new constitution drafting process has been discussed recently but formal processes haven’t begun,” said Mr Surendiran.

“Although Sri Lanka co-sponsored the UNHRC resolution in October 2015, recently leaders have started to send mixed messages on implementing the resolution in full,” he added.

“These have caused serious concerns in the victims’ minds.”

See the full text of his interview here.