Political parties in Tamil Nadu urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to form close military ties with the Sri Lankan government on Wednesday, following meetings between the Sri Lankan defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Indian counterpart.
Describing such a move as a "diplomatic blunder", the head of the National Committee of the Naam Tamilar Party (NTP), Ayyanathan, asked what how this would benefit India's security given Sri Lanka's close ties with China.
"Now, what is the point in saying that this is for our security. Are you sharing your southern security with the Sri Lankan Government and China? This is ridiculous, it is a diplomatic blunder," he told ANI.
"You [the Indian government] have decimated Tamils and you are going with Sri Lanka, but Sri Lanka is going with China. This is the mockery of southern security of the country," he said.
His criticism was shared by the leader of the DMK party, Elangovan, who asked: "They are accused of human rights violation. How can we allow an agreement with the Sri Lankan defence forces?"
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Describing such a move as a "diplomatic blunder", the head of the National Committee of the Naam Tamilar Party (NTP), Ayyanathan, asked what how this would benefit India's security given Sri Lanka's close ties with China.
"Now, what is the point in saying that this is for our security. Are you sharing your southern security with the Sri Lankan Government and China? This is ridiculous, it is a diplomatic blunder," he told ANI.
"You [the Indian government] have decimated Tamils and you are going with Sri Lanka, but Sri Lanka is going with China. This is the mockery of southern security of the country," he said.
His criticism was shared by the leader of the DMK party, Elangovan, who asked: "They are accused of human rights violation. How can we allow an agreement with the Sri Lankan defence forces?"
Related articles:
India to enhance bilateral defence ties with Sri Lanka (21 Oct 2014)
Gotabaya meets with Indian defence minister (20 Oct 2014)
Gotabaya to meet with India's NSA next week (17 Oct 2014)
India-Sri Lanka hold second annual defence talks (11 Oct 2014)