'The Indian government must act. It should exert diplomatic pressure on the Sri Lankan government and ensure action in this matter,PTI | ,Apr 28,2011
Chennai, Apr 28 (PTI): The CPI(M) state unit today urged the Indian government to exert 'diplomatic pressure' on Sri Lanka to ensure punishment for those responsible for alleged war crimes, as indicted by a UN panel.
"The report had pinpointed both Sri Lankan army as well as rebel LTTE for alleged war crimes, with the latter especially using civilians as human shields and forcibly recruiting child soldiers. However, it had said that the brutal attack by the army resulted in huge loss of civilian lives,' party state unit secretary G Ramakrishnan said in a statement here.
He said a thorough probe must be held and the perpetrators of human rights violations face action. 'The Indian government must act. It should exert diplomatic pressure on the Sri Lankan government and ensure action in this matter,' he said. A UN report had said tens of thousands of civilians were killed in the civil strife in the island republic which could amount to 'war crimes.' Stressing the need for regional autonomy for Tamil speaking areas as a solution to the ethnic issue, he also charged Colombo with not doing anything worthwhile in this regard. India should also use its diplomatic ties to ensure a political solution within the framework of a united Sri Lanka and press Colombo to hold talks with Tamil groups, he said.PTI SA APR
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