India will seek withdrawal of emergency regulations and probe into human rights violations against Tamils in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister SM Krishna said on Thursday.
Winding up a short duration discussion on the problems of Sri Lankan Tamils, Krishna said in the Rajya Sabha, India would pursue with Sri Lanka for a lasting political settlement that provides for harmonious co-existence of all communities.
“The Government of India has and will continue to reiterate with Sri Lankan government for speedy need of reconciliation of certain issues including early withdrawal of emergency regulations…investigation into human rights violation…,” he said.
However, dissatisfied with his reply, members particularly from Tamil Nadu, including those of UPA ally DMK, staged walkout. Others to join the walkout were AIADMK, CPI and CPI-M.
Krishna said the government is according priority to the issues related to missing Tamils in Sri Lanka.
As members from these parties were severely critical of the government’s response to the issue, Krishna said, “I will convey (the) anger expressed in the House to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister.”
To the observation that the UN report has found atrocities against Tamils, Krishna said, “The issue has not come so far in the formal agenda of any of UN inter-governmental body for discussion. We are waiting so that India can take a position.”
Earlier, initiating the debate, D Raja (CPI) said the government has “betrayed” Tamils in Sri Lanka and rued “nobody cares for India” in the world.