Lanka crimes: CPI(M) wants India to press for credible probe

NEW DELHI: India should press for a credible and independent probe into the alleged war crimes by Sri Lankan forces and seek devolution of powers by the island nation's government to Tamil-dominated areas, the CPI(M) said on March 16.

"At the UN Human Rights Council meeting, the government should take the stand that the Sri Lankan government should agree to a high level, credible and independent enquiry on the allegations of war crimes committed during the last phase of the civil war," the party Politburo said in a statement.

It said that though four years have passed since the end of hostilities between Sri Lankan army and the LTTE, "no meaningful steps have been taken to address the issues of atrocities committed during the last phase of the war. Enough evidence exists about war crimes against innocent civilians."

The UNHRC had adopted a resolution in March 2012 asking Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. "Since then, there has been no progress in the matter," it said.

The CPI(M) expressed concern at the declaration by Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa that no autonomy would be given to the Tamil-speaking areas.

"By this, he has gone back from his own stand that something more than the 13th amendment to the Constitution can be provided in terms of devolution of power to the Tamil- speaking region."

The CPI(M) said New Delhi should take up this matter and press Colombo to arrive at a political settlement so that adequate power is devolved to the Tamil-speaking areas.