R. Sampanthan has sought the immediate intervention of the Indian government
Senior TNA leader R. Sampanthan pitched for an amicable solution to the Lankan Tamils issue as per 13th amendment at a meeting with BJP leaders Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan, state president Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan and L. Ganesan at
Chennai: Senior Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader and parliamentarian R. Sampanthan has sought the immediate intervention of the Indian government to end the Sri Lankan government’s strategy to make the implementation of the 13th amendment irrelevant by altering the demographic composition in the north and eastern provinces dominated by Tamils. This should not be difficult with a “strong government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Delhi” which could play an effective role in resolving the problems of Lankan Tamils, he added.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday evening after holding a discussion with BJP leaders at Kamalalayam here, he said the Indian government should make it clear to Lanka that it should stop the present exercise of changing the demographic composition.
“Mr Modi has already taken the first step in asking Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to keep his commitment to fulfill the aspirations of Tamils, within 24 hours of assuming charge as Prime Minister of India. I have confidence and hope that Mr Modi will play a key role in ensuring self-respect, dignity, safety and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of Tamils in the island nation,” he said.
“There is no progress in talks (with Lankan government on devolution of powers). Our government cannot even appoint a chief secretary. The present governor who is a military commander is interfering in administrative and financial matters,” Mr Sampanthan said.
On the Katchatheevu issue, he said it was for two governments to discuss and decide. Earlier, he held a discussion on his mission of pushing his case for full implementation of the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution, with BJP leaders.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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