With India’s opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), now united in demanding justice and autonomy for Eelam Tamils, the ruling Congress party’s continued silence is striking.
Adding to demands for India to take a tougher, more decisive role in on Sri Lanka's war crimes and genocide, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha pledged his party’s commitment to Eelam Tamils and determination to ensure justice is done.
Speaking at a protest rally organised by MDMK chief Vaiko in New Delhi, Sinha mocked the Congress government for cowering before China for fear of losing regional influence.
“This shows mere helplessness that we have lost all our clout and friends and that we have to surrender ourselves to China. It is a matter of shame for our country and it is [a] matter of great shame for the government” said Sinha.
His remarks echo those of fellow BJP senior member Jaswant Singh, who asked if India's geopolitical concerns justified inaction over Sri Lanka's warcrimes, said:
“I am always extremely chary of this catchall phrase, ‘geopolitical’. I tend to be very suspicious about the use this phrase because it is a coverall phrase which can mean anything and everything.
“I don’t think a great country like India can determine its policies and practice its policies in apprehension of the activities of any other country.”
See here for CPI’s call for autonomy.
Ram Vilas Paswan, Lok Jan Shakti party president asserted his party’s views, remarking, “We are there for the Sri Lankan Tamils. There are also our brothers and sisters”.
"We will fight for the cause inside and outside Parliament. The Parliament should pass a resolution that India is solidly behind the Tamils” Paswan added.
Ranbir Singh of the Indian National Lok Dal endorsed the demands of Eelam Tamils.
Vaiko and Sinha demanded an explanation to the central government’s inaction and urged the government to ensure the UN takes up the issue.
"We are not going to give up till all those people involved in genocide are brought to justice," Sinha pledged.
Calling on Vaiko to arrange a similar protest rally in Tamil Nadu, Sinha added:
"I will also join you and we will all set sail for Sri Lanka and go there and tell the world that India is with you. We will mount an unarmed attack on Sri Lanka. We would like to tell the world that Indians are solidly behind the Eelam Tamils."
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