Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah today urged the Centre to pursue with Sri Lankan government and ensure that action is taken against those who committed crimes against Tamils there and sought a permanent solution to the problems of the state's fishermen.
In his address to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, he reflected the government's position over the issue, seeking the Centre to take note of the various resolutions passed by the House over Sri Lanka vis-a-vis Tamils' issues there.
He referred to Sri Lankan government's alleged impunity in "ignoring international sentiments and resolutions relating to reconciliation and accountability for war crimes and genocide" during closing stages of the civil war there.
He said Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to take action to pass a resolution in the UNHRC seeking international inquiry into war crimes and violations of the Geneva Convention by the then Sri Lankan regime.
"The Centre should pursue with the current Sri Lankan government the issue of taking action against those who committed such crimes against Tamils and render justice," he said.
"I hope the Centre will take note of resolutions passed by this Assembly and take action to persuade the Sri lanka to restore lands to Tamils thus providing equal rights and opportunity to live peacefully with dignity," he said.
Citing the continuing arrests of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and impounding of their boats by Sri Lanka and the neighbouring country's reluctance to free the boats, he said it is "causing endless agony among the fishermen."
"It is our duty to find a lasting solution to this issue by retrieving Katchatheevu and restoring the traditional rights of our fishermen," he said and hoped the Centre would work with Lanka to find an amicable solution.
He reiterated the state's request to the Centre to sanction a comprehensive financial package of Rs 1,520 crore for deep sea fishing and to develop related infrastructure.
