Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Sri Lankan issue

India's concern over the Sri Lankan situation is evident from Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran's visit to the island country for discussions with President Mahinda Rajapakse and other leaders. India should help the parties concerned in the conflict to resolve their differences so that a solution that satisfies the aspirations of all the sections emerges. A `hands off' policy is tantamount to evading our responsibility as a neighbour.

D.B.N. Murthy,
Bangalore

* * *

LTTE ideologue Anton Balasingham's latest overture to India needs to be rejected outright. By assassinating Rajiv Gandhi, the LTTE showed its ugly face to the country that supported the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils. Its appeal for magnanimity is akin to appeal for consideration by one who has committed patricide on the ground that he is an orphan.

K. Ramabhoopathy,
Sriharikota, A.P.

* * *

Mr. Balasingham's expression of regret over Rajiv Gandhi's assassination reaffirms the belief that it was the LTTE that was responsible for it. With their backs to the wall, pitted against adverse international opinion and proscription as a terrorist outfit, the Tigers now knock at India's doors.

We should appreciate Sri Lanka's sovereignty. It would be best for us to wait and watch. Sympathising with the cause of the Tamils and extending support to the LTTE are different things and should not be confused.

E.I. Ravindranath,
Vellore, T.N.

* * *

India should not take the expression of regret seriously. We have burnt our fingers once and there are enough lessons to be learnt from the IPKF experience.

K. Shiva Shankar,
Chennai

* * *

It would be wise not to meddle in Sri Lankan affairs. We have not been able to solve our caste, regional, and communal problems at home and our border disputes with our neighbours. We are not able to talk tough even with the personnel of Bangladesh Rifles, let alone deal with infiltrators. Where Norway mediation has already failed, what is the need to get involved?

K.V.L. Shanta,
Singapore

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