Indian PM: Our support for a united Sri Lanka is absolute

TNA parliamentarians went through so much trouble to meet the Indian premier only to be told that India stands firmly behind a solution that guarantees the territorial integrity of the country. TNA members who were once snubbed when the premier refused to meet them finally got their chance last month causing the TamilNet and other pro-rebel voices to sing celebratory songs. But the celebrations were short lived as the Indian prime minister said “the support for the Sri Lankan territorial integrity is absolute”. The TNA parliamentarians were further disappointed when the premier and the Indian Foreign minister both refused to engage in de-merger debate and said the issue is nothing more than a legal matter.

Despite showing concern for the Tamils, the increased economic co-operation between the two countries and the LTTE’s direct hand in the killing of an Indian prime minister hovering over their heads, the chances of the Indian government supporting a solution outside the frame of a unified Sri Lanka is almost zero. Besides, such a solution will create a precedence a multi-communal India cannot afford to set.