(The Economic Times)
Leaders of various political parties, including BJP, today expressed solidarity with Tamils in Sri Lanka, saying they will continue to raise their voice until everyone responsible for the "genocide" there are brought to justice.
At a protest rally here organised by MDMK chief Vaiko to protest the Centre’s "silence" on the UN report, BJP’s Yashwant Sinha and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan criticised the government for citing China’s growing influence as a reason for India’s engagement with Sri Lanka.
Sinha, who was External Affairs Minister during the NDA regime, criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his reported remarks that India cannot impose economic sanctions against Sri Lanka as it would encourage China to displace it as a strategic and trading partner of the island nation.
"This shows mere helplessness that we have lost all out clout and friends and that we have to surrender ourselves to China. It is a matter of shame for our country and it is matter of greater shame for the government," he said.
Singh, the BJP leader said, made the remarks when Vaiko met him last week demanding economic sanctions against Sri Lanka.
Sinha suggested to Vaiko to organise a rally in Tamil Nadu in which he would also participate.
"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," he said.
"We are not going to give up till all those people involved in genocide are brought to justice," Sinha said.
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