The two biggest political parties in Tamil Nadu have called for India to pull out of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka later this year.
In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha said participation in the event would “embolden” Sri Lanka.
“...Any high level participation or engagement from the Indian side in the CHOGM will not only embolden the Sri Lankan regime but also incense public opinion and sentiment in Tamil Nadu on this every sensitive issue even further”, her letter said.
“As an emerging great power and an aspirant for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, India has a duty to ensure that the values of democracy and respect for human rights are upheld anywhere in the world and in particular in its neighbourhood,”
The upcoming meeting is an “opportune occasion” for India to increase pressure on Sri Lanka to ensure that accountability for the “war crimes and genocide committed in the closing stages of the civil war and the ongoing gross human rights abuses,” was delivered under an international framework, she further said.
Jayalalitha also said that time remained to find an alternative venue, and that India should demand a change, adding, “If India takes this diplomatic initiative, there is likely to be broad based support amongst member countries of the Commonwealth.”
The Chief Minister also expressed disappointment at the “diluted and weak” U.S. resolution that India voted for, without moving any amendments.
“There was widespread disappointment at this stand of the Government of India and a continuing sense of injustice in Tamil Nadu on this issue,” she said.
The main opposition DMK, headed by M Karunanidhi, also called for a boycott of the summit.
“While Commonwealth Secretariat should not convene the meeting at Colombo, but if it happens, India should boycott the meeting in order to reflect the sentiments of Tamils worldover and to keep up the democratic spirits,” the DMK said.