The Global Tamil Forum called on India to ensure the Tamil people's ongoing humanitarian and political concerns are urgently resolved, as the country's prime minister Narendra Modi embarks on his visit to Sri Lanka this week.
"The recent changes of governments in India and Sri Lanka have significantly altered the geopolitical dynamics of the region. These developments have also created opportunities for the successful resolution of the Tamil national issue, a feat if accomplished, will usher the Indo-Lanka economic and political relations into a different era. Prime Minister Modi’s visit at such a crucial time is potentially transformational," the GTF said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"In our opinion, there is no better time to arrive at a permanent solution to the Tamil national question, and no country other than India can play the crucial role in making this a reality," adding however, that "time is of essence".
"In this context, it is important that the Sri Lankan government immediately takes meaningful steps to address a few pressing issues that includes reducing the excessive military presence in the North and East, transferring the land back to the rightful owners from whom the land was expropriated, and releasing Tamil political detainees who have been incarcerated for years without ever being charged."
"It is also important that Sri Lanka makes public commitment to comprehensively addressing the war crimes, accountability and reconciliation issues in active collaboration with the UNHRC and other international organisations, and reveal its blueprint to achieve a political solution by negotiating with the elected Tamil representatives. Humanitarian, social and economic needs of people in the war affected North and East and by the Up country Tamils have to be addressed in a systematic and effective way."
"We humbly request Prime Minister Modi to impress upon Sri Lanka to act on the issues highlighted here, as that will help foster a positive environment and build confidence among Tamils, both in Sri Lanka and in Diaspora."
See full statement here.
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