Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Sri Lankan war crimes issue

New Delhi, Mar 13 (ANI): The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday witnessed disruption after an opposition uproar over Sri Lankan war crimes issue.

As soon as the House met for the day, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) members were on their feet displaying banners demanding that the government must support a resolution moved by US, France and Norway in the UNHRC against the alleged atrocities committed on Sri Lankan Tamils.

The DMK, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Left parties also submitted notices for suspension of the Question Hour to discuss the issue.

"The government has to take a stand on Sri Lanka. It is an issue of war crimes and Human Rights violation. We want the Prime Minister to respond," said CPI leader D Raja.

"We want the government to ensure a impartial investigation in international war crimes in Sri Lanka. Government should take a moral stand. Sri Lanka is our immediate neighbour. The Indian government should not help Sri Lanka. It is a serious matter," he added.

CPI-M leader T K Rangarajan said a credible inquiry committee should be formed to look into atrocities committed against Sri Lankan Tamils.

Meanwhile, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Prime Minister has already written letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief Karunanidhi.

The pressure on India to vote against Sri Lanka has escalated largely because of a Channel 4 documentary that purportedly shows the 12-year-old son of LTTE leader V Prabhakaran lying dead with five bullets in his chest.

Five escorts who were reportedly accompanying him to officially surrender were also killed, the documentary claims, and their bodies can be seen around his. The 60-minute film states that documents show that the child was interrogated about his father's whereabouts before he was executed. (ANI)