MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY PARTS (A) TO (E) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION
NO.216 REGARDING `KILLING OF INNOCENT TAMILS IN SRI LANKA` FOR ANSWER ON 18.02.2009
Government of India is closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in Northern Sri Lanka and
its impact on the humanitarian situation of the civilians and Internally Displaced Persons.
External Affairs Minister of India visited Sri Lanka on 27th January 2009.His discussions
covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional issues of mutual interest.He
also took up India`s concerns for the safety, security and welfare of the civilians with
President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He emphasized the need for the Sri Lankan Government to give
an opportunity for the civilians and internally displaced persons to come out of the LTTE
held areas. He was assured that the Government of Sri Lanka would take all necessary measures
to minimize the effects of the conflict on Tamil civilians including providing uninterrupted
relief supplies,respecting and expanding safe zones and preventing civilian casualties.
Subsequently, on 29th January 2009, President Rajapaksa announced a 48 hour period for
civilians to leave the conflict zone,appealed to the LTTE to allow the civilians to leave,
and assured the safety and security of civilians who did so. Government of India has extended
humanitarian assistance to civilians in two batches so far.
External Affairs Minister emphasized the need to find a peacefully negotiated political solution
to the conflict acceptable to all communities,including the Tamil community,and urged the
Government of Sri Lanka to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution.
