The conviction of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, is a clear message to those parties in India that wish to take an independent line on Tamil affairs in Sri Lanka, however her conviction will not affect Tamil Nadu's support for the Eelam Tamil struggle, said the leader of the Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF).
“Tamil Nadu politics is different from New Delhi’s politics. Tamil Nadu is very supportive of the Tamil national struggle here and I suspect Madam Jayalalitha’s conviction will not change that. Although New Delhi’s hope will be that the timing of Jayalalitha’s conviction will send a clear message to all those parties that wish to take an independent line on Sri Lankan affairs, particularly to do with the Tamil people here,” said Gajen Ponnambalam in an interview with the Sunday Leader.
Commenting on his opinion on India’s involvement in Tamil affairs in Sri Lanka, he further added,
“I don’t believe there is much pressure being applied on Sri Lanka by India, meaning New Delhi. On the contrary, Delhi is appeasing Sri Lanka to the point where it is saying, “cooperate with us and make changes to your foreign policy that does not compromise Indian national interests and we will not only support you even more strongly on the UNHRC inquiry, but will also rid Tamil nationalism from Tamil mainstream politics through the TNA.”
When asked about Tamils in Sri Lanka may benefit from the UN investigation into Sri Lankan atrocities, he said,
“We have been critical of the resolution passed in March 2014. I will not go into the details as it will take too much space. However, we have been very encouraged by the explanatory statement issued by the OHCHR in August this year regarding its interpretation of the mandate given by the March 2014 resolution."
“Tamil Nadu politics is different from New Delhi’s politics. Tamil Nadu is very supportive of the Tamil national struggle here and I suspect Madam Jayalalitha’s conviction will not change that. Although New Delhi’s hope will be that the timing of Jayalalitha’s conviction will send a clear message to all those parties that wish to take an independent line on Sri Lankan affairs, particularly to do with the Tamil people here,” said Gajen Ponnambalam in an interview with the Sunday Leader.
Commenting on his opinion on India’s involvement in Tamil affairs in Sri Lanka, he further added,
“I don’t believe there is much pressure being applied on Sri Lanka by India, meaning New Delhi. On the contrary, Delhi is appeasing Sri Lanka to the point where it is saying, “cooperate with us and make changes to your foreign policy that does not compromise Indian national interests and we will not only support you even more strongly on the UNHRC inquiry, but will also rid Tamil nationalism from Tamil mainstream politics through the TNA.”
When asked about Tamils in Sri Lanka may benefit from the UN investigation into Sri Lankan atrocities, he said,
“We have been critical of the resolution passed in March 2014. I will not go into the details as it will take too much space. However, we have been very encouraged by the explanatory statement issued by the OHCHR in August this year regarding its interpretation of the mandate given by the March 2014 resolution."