Indian Opposition Leader Sushma Swaraj has observed that the Lankan Tamils want a genuine political solution within a united Sri Lanka and not separation. The problems of the Lankan Tamils are not merely a concern for Tamil Nadu but of the entire Indian nation.
Susma Swaraj was addressing the 5th Tamil Nadu Regional Conference of the BJP in Chennai. She went on that highly respected Tamil National Alliance Leader R.Sampanthan told her that the Tamils want equal rights and dignified life through devolution of power and implementation of the LLRC recommendations in a united country. She condemned the separatist issues raised in certain parts of the country.
She added that during her visit leading a delegation of Indian Parliamentarians to Colombo, she insisted on visiting the Internally Displaced People and they did so. The IDPs were quite outspoken. At the end of the visit, we made it clear to the government India’s concern. It was not a picnic for them. It was unfortunate that the DMK and the ADMK parties withdrew their representation at the last minute.
Referring to newspaper reports belittling her acceptance of gifts, she said: “ We have to show diplomatic courtesy. I accepted the gift not as an individual but on behalf of the delegation. The gifts are deposited in the Parliamentary Treasury”
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