With India’s opposition parties, including the BJP and CPI(M), now united in demanding justice and autonomy for Eelam Tamils, the ruling Congress party’s continued silence is striking.
Adding to demands for India to take a tougher, more decisive role in on Sri Lanka's war crimes and genocide, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha pledged his party’s commitment to Eelam Tamils and determination to ensure justice is done.
Speaking at a protest rally organised by MDMK chief Vaiko in New Delhi, Sinha mocked the Congress government for cowering before China for fear of losing regional influence.
“This shows mere helplessness that we have lost all our clout and friends and that we have to surrender ourselves to China. It is a matter of shame for our country and it is [a] matter of great shame for the government” said Sinha.
His remarks echo those of fellow BJP senior member Jaswant Singh, who asked if India's geopolitical concerns justified inaction over Sri Lanka's warcrimes, said:
“I am always extremely chary of this catchall phrase, ‘geopolitical’. I tend to be very suspicious about the use this phrase because it is a coverall phrase which can mean anything and everything.
“I don’t think a great country like India can determine its policies and practice its policies in apprehension of the activities of any other country.”
See here for CPI’s call for autonomy.