On Situation in Sri Lanka

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep concern at the plight of the thousands of Tamil civilians who are trapped in the war zone in northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government should heed the call of the UN Security Council and take urgent measures, including cessation of hostilities, to rescue civilians who are being forcibly held by the LTTE. The Sri Lankan government should allow relief agencies, including the Red Cross, to access the war zone.

The CPI(M) considers the saving of the lives of the civilian population as of paramount concern. The LTTE should stop its futile resistance.

The government of India has to impress upon the Sri Lankan government that it cannot carry on military hostilities in a situation where the lives of thousands of people are at stake.