India expresses concern over LTTE air raids over Colombo
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Feb 21, IRNA -- Expressing concern over the latest turn of events in Sri Lanka, particularly the air raids by LTTE over Colombo, India Saturday appealed to the government and the militant organization to come to a peaceful negotiated settlement.
"It also said unless there was a congenial and peaceful atmosphere, attacks and counter-attacks would continue.
"An LTTE plane has been shot down. This is of concern. Political solution has to be found to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) issue and military action will not do," India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukhjerjee told reporters in West Bengal, PTI reported.
Maintaining that 'a political solution is the only way out', he said, "The two sides should sit across the table for a negotiated settlement of the issue.
"And, for that a congenial and peaceful atmosphere has to be created. Till that is not forthcoming, attacks and counter-attacks will continue to hit the country."
Stating that India's stand was 'very clear',Mukherjee said, "We are concerned. We are concerned for the huge Sri Lankan Tamil population who have been caught in the crossfire. They are being killed and their normal life is seriously affected."
He said that India would appeal to Colombo to ensure that the rights of the minority Tamils were protected.
Meanwhile, the regional party of Tamil Nadu, DMK's youth wing today organized a human chain in the city and the district headquarters, urging both the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE to give up arms in the island nation where the two are engaged in a battle.
Local Administration Minister and DMK youth wing secretary, M K Stalin, Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi and DMK MP and former union IT minister, Dayanidhi Maran participated in the human chain.
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End News / IRNA / News Code 364843
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