'GTF hails Jayalalithaa, Modi victories, urges decisive action on Tamil question'
Saturday, May 17, 2014
GTF Spokesperson, Suren Surendiran, talks to Tamil Guardian on the results of the Indian elections and the implications for Sri Lanka and Tamil issues.
http://www.tamilguardian.com/article.asp?articleid=10926
The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) hailed the sweeping victories of the Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu and BJP leader Narenda Modi in India as historic, congratulating both on their appointment, and expressing hope that the new government "will stand firmly against the past and present injustices faced by the Tamils and deal decisively with the Rajapaksa government in bringing just peace in the island of Sri Lanka."
“GTF is delighted that the determined voice of support that has echoed consistently from across the Palk Strait has been strengthened by a historic democratic vote [and] send our humble congratulations in celebrating Madam Jayalalithaa and her party being re-elected with an overwhelming historic majority to lead the people of Tamil Nadu and be the leader of Tamils all over the world including the Tamil nation in the island of Sri Lanka,” GTF spokesperson Suren Surendiran told Tamil Guardian.
Highlighting the vocal positions Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had taken over recent years against the mass atrocities inflicted on the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, Mr. Surendiran expressed hope that she would be able to exert her influence on the new BJP led government. Jayalalithaa's party, AIADMK, winning 37 out of 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, has emerged the third largest party in India.
"Madam Jayalalithaa and her party have stood firm against the injustices levelled upon the Tamils in the island of Sri Lanka. Madam Jayalalithaa is the first elected international leader who has formally referred to what is happening to the Tamil nation in the island as genocide, called for an international investigation in Sri Lanka to establish whether war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed, demanded for economic sanctions against the Colombo government and referred to President Rajapaksa as a war criminal."
"GTF sincerely hopes that Madam Jayalalithaa will be able to influence the new BJP led government under Prime Minister Elect, Hon. Narendra Modi to stand firm and be decisive when dealing with the historic and continued injustices served upon our people in the island of Sri Lanka."
Highlighting also the landslide victory of the BJP leader, Narendra Modi, GTF expressed its congratulations and hope that the new government would take a decisive and firm stand against the injustice of the Tamils in the island of Sri Lanka.
"Just as Chief Minister Madam Jayalalithaa and her Party have won in a clean sweep in the State of Tamil Nadu, Prime Minster Elect, Hon. Narendra Modi and his Party BJP and its allies have swept the largest democracy in the world! Global Tamil Forum sends its heartiest congratulations and best wishes for a successful future!"
"Tamils in the island of Sri Lanka wait in great anticipation and hope that the new Indian government will stand firmly against the past and present injustices faced by the Tamils and deal decisively with the Rajapaksa government in bringing just peace in the island of Sri Lanka”