Row over lending of Buddha's relics

by admin
May 20, 2012

India’s plans to lend ancient fragments of the Buddha’s bones to Sri Lanka have been slammed by Tamil Nadu activists.

Sri Lanka signed an agreement with India on Friday, permitting the transfer of the relics for the celebrations marking the 2,600th anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment.

The request was made by President Rajapakse to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a visit last year.

Tamil Nadu politician Vaiko criticised India’s decision in a letter to the Prime Minister.

The move was "pouring fire in the terribly wounded hearts of the Tamils", said the letter.

Speaking at a Mullivaikal remembrance event on May 20, Vaiko said the sending of the relics would be a betrayal against Tamils.

“When the Lankan government’s hands are stained with the blood of Tamils, sending the relics to Lanka is an unpardonable betrayal of the Government of India against Tamils,” he said.

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