Ensure civilian safety, India tells Sri Lanka

New Delhi has asked Colombo to work out appropriate and credible procedures for the evacuation of civilians caught in the war zone.

This suggestion came after reports that the LTTE had declared its willingness to discuss international appeals to permit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) caught in the zone of conflict to leave the area for safety.

“In this context, India appeals to the Sri Lankan government and to all concerned to work out appropriate and credible procedures for the evacuation of IDPs to safety, which would include the international agencies being able to oversee the movement of the IDPs,” external affairs ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said here in a statement.

‘UPA pushed for ceasefire’

Congress chief whip in Chennai S.Peter Alphonse said it was the UPA’s efforts that ensured the UN and other countries voiced concern over the situation in Sri Lanka. Alphonse said this in response to CPI leader V. Sivapunniyam’s accusation that the Congress did not ensure a ceasefire in the northern parts of Sri Lanka.

AIADMK’s petition to SC

AIADMK on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to declare that there is a total breakdown of the constitutional machinery in Tamil Nadu. The party filed a petition over the February 9 clash between advocates and the police in which some judges were also injured. It has also sought a judicial probe by either a sitting or a retired apex court judge.