Cease-fire in Sri Lanka's no-fire zone should continue: Mukherjee.Byline: ANI Kolkata, Apr.17 (ANI): The Government of India The Government of India (Hindi: भारत सरकार [3]Bhārat Sarkār), officially referred to as the Union Government, and commonly as Central Government is clear that the cease-fire in the "No Fire" zone in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka (srē läng`kə) [Sinhalese,=resplendent land], formerly Ceylon, ancient Taprobane, officially Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, island republic (2005 est. pop. should continue in the interests of the Tamil citizens of that country, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Pranab Kumar Mukherjee (Bengali: প্রণব কুমার মুখার্জী said here today. Addressing a press conference, Mukherjee said India is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka,and added that New Delhi New Delhi (dĕl`ē), city (1991 pop. 294,149), capital of India and of Delhi state, N central India, on the right bank of the Yamuna River. has repeatedly expressed its concern over the safety of Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka and sought to ensure safe passage to secure zones for the civilian population which has suffered a heavy toll in the ongoing conflict. The minister said India had welcomed the announcement by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse of a cessation of hostilities for the Tamil and Sinhala New Year In April (the month of Bak), when the sun moves from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries); Sri Lankans begin celebrating their New Year or Aluth Avurudhu (in Sinhala) and Puththandu (in Tamil). over the last two days. The Government of Sri Lanka, Mukherjee said, must extend this pause in hostilities to prevent further casualties and enable trapped civilians to leave the area to secure locations. Continuation of precipitate military actions leading to further civilian casualties Civilian casualties is a military term describing civilian or non-combatant persons killed or injured by military action. The description of civilian casualties includes any form of military action regardless of whether civilians were targeted directly. at this time would be totally unacceptable. While it is incumbent on the LTTE to release all civilians and IDPs under their control, the Government of Sri Lanka cannot be oblivious to the evolving human tragedy and the fate of the Tamil civilian population caught up in the so-called "No Fire" zone, Mukherjee pointed out. The Government of India has extended humanitarian assistance, including medicines, food and other supplies to the civilian population trapped in the conflict zone. A 62- member emergency medical unit from India has treated more than 1500 serious medical cases among civilians in Pulmoddai in Sri Lanka. India will soon send another consignment of 40,000 family packs to the affected civilians in Northern Sri Lanka, Mukherjee promised. The Government of India, the minister said, expected the Government of Sri Lanka and others concerned to respond positively to the appeal for a continued ceasefire in the interest of the Tamils who are citizens of Sri Lanka. By Ajitha Menon (ANI) Copyright 2009 Asian News International The Asian News International (ANI) agency provides multimedia news to China and 50 bureaus in India. It covers virtually all of South Asia since its foundation and presently claims, on its official website, to be the leading South Asia-wide news agency. (ANI) - All Rights Reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |
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