Sunday, November 07, 2004

War if pact is signed: TNA MP

A TNA MP has warned that the proposed Defence Cooperation agreement between India and Sri Lanka might tempt the latter to restart the war against the LTTE.

TamilNet quoted P. Sithamparanathan of the TNA as saying the Tamils feared preparations were underway for another war in the island.

Ms Sithamparanathan’s comments came as Indian Army Chief N.C. Vij visited Omanthai in the north and inspected the main entry point to the territories held by the LTTE.

" The visits of Indian military and naval chiefs to Sri Lanka and the proposed Indo-Sri Lanka defence agreement have caused apprehension among Tamils that preparations are underway for another war in the island.

"Tamils still want to strengthen the relationship with India. Tamils sighed in relief when India announced that it would support the peace process brokered by Norwegian facilitation.

"However, Tamils have been marginalized by India, which is working closely with the Sri Lankan government without consulting the Tamils ", she said.

Ms Sithamparanathan said, "Tamils feel that the proposed defence agreement between India and Sri Lanka would encourage Sinhala rulers to prepare for another war abandoning the current peace process. "The Indian government should rethink signing a defence agreement with Sinhala political leadership that did not honourd its previous agreements."