CPI-M asks Sri Lanka to launch independent probe on attacks on Tamils

CHENNAI: CPI(M) today demanded that the Sri Lanka government launch an independent high-level probe into allegations of "countless attacks" and human rights violations against the country's Tamil civilians during the 2009 civil war against LTTE and urged India to take diplomatic steps to ensure the welfare of the community in the island nation.

A resolution concerning the Sri Lankan Tamils issue taken at the party's state conference here said that the United Nations Human Rights Council should submit its report on alleged human rights violations in the island nation without any delay.

"Sri Lanka government should constitute a complete, independent and credible probe by experts in international justice and human rights on the countless attacks on Lankan Tamils and the genocide and human rights violations in 2009," the party resolved.

Civilian Tamil casualties had reportedly peaked during the height of hostilities between Lankan army and LTTE, sparking calls for a probe by political parties in Tamil Nadu and human rights organisations.

Taking note of newly-elected Sri Lanka President Maithiripala Sirisena's visit to India on his first official tour abroad, the party said India should use diplomatic measures to ensure the welfare of Tamils and Muslims in that country.

It also called for de-militarisation of Tamil-speaking areas and sought better implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution, an Indian initiative aimed at giving more powers to the provinces.

The party also accused Sri Lanka army of unleashing a 'beastly attack' on Tamils in 2009 and charged it with targeting Tamil business establishments, houses and places of worship. It also alleged that women were sexually assaulted.

Meanwhile, the conference re-elected G Ramakrishnan as the party's state unit secretary.