Showing utter disregard to the sentiments expressed by the leaders and people of Tamil Nadu following the occupation of Kilinochchi by the Sri Lankan security forces, the Congress party asked Sri Lanka to hand over LTTE leader Pirapaharan if he is caught so that he faces trial for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
“We will be happy if Pirapaharan is caught and handed over to India for the heinous crime he has committed. He should be brought to book for the assassination of our beloved leader Rajiv Gandhi,” Congress chief spokesperson M. Veerappa Moily said.
Whilst party leaders across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu called for protests against New Delhi’s inaction in brining about a ceasefire in the neighbouring island, Congress’s request is seen as clear indication of where the party’s priorities lie.
Moily further said that Congress was not mixing terrorism and ethnic issue, reiterating that Congress wanted Sri Lanka to ensure the safety of Tamils and a policy of non-discrimination against them.
