International Probe on Sri Lanka Sought

“It is diluted. It wants the implementation of the LLRC which exonerates Lanka of human rights violations and war crimes.” - Tamil activist-poet Thamarai

The images of the Sri Lanka Genocide against Tamils will never go away; they beg for international justice.

(CHENNAI, India) - Rather than pressing Sri Lanka to implement its LLRC (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission) recommendations, which a US- sponsored resolution in the UNHRC demands, India should go beyond and work towards an independent international investigation, several pro-Eelam Tamil organisations urged here on Sunday.

The May 17 Movement, supported by Tamil Desiya Pothuvudamai Katchi, Tamil Desiya Viduthalai Iyakkam and Periyar Dravida Kazhagam held a demonstration at Marina. G Thirumurgan of May 17 Movement and Tamil activist-poet Thamarai said the US-backed move could not be accepted in its present form. “It is diluted. It wants the implementation of the LLRC which exonerates Lanka of human rights violations and war crimes.”

They said an independent international investigation under the auspices of the UN alone could help address the grievances of the Tamils.

Stating that a UN panel comprising Marzuki Darusman (Indonesia), Yasmin Sooka (South Africa) and Steven Ratner (US) had recommended an independent, international probe, they wondered why no action was taken. “What happened to it and why does the US now want to push a resolution which cannot address the genuine problems of the Tamils in its entirety?” they asked. Thirumurugan said the UN should hold a referendum in Lanka to address the aspirations of the Tamils. A huge turnout gathered near the Kannagi statue. The travails of Lankan Tamils were demonstrated through songs and pamphlets.

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