CHENNAI, September 7, 2012 | The Hindu
Amnesty
International, India, on Thursday urged the Tamil Nadu government to protect
Sri Lankans visiting or living in the State.
“The
authorities in Tamil Nadu must immediately put in place measures to ensure the
safety of Sri Lankans visiting and living in India. They must promptly launch
investigations into the attacks, and ensure that those responsible are brought
to justice in fair trials,” Amnesty International India’s Chief Executive G.
Ananthapadmanabhan said in a statement.
On
Sunday, the State government ordered two visiting football teams from Sri
Lanka, including a school team, to be sent back.
An
official who permitted one of the teams to play a match was placed under
suspension.
Soon
after the attack on buses transporting pilgrims, the Government of Sri Lanka
advised its citizens to avoid visiting Tamil Nadu in the interest of their
safety.
“Political
parties in Tamil Nadu are understandably concerned about continuing human
rights violations in Sri Lanka.
“However,
these concerns must not be translated into acts of violence targeting pilgrims
and other visitors from Sri Lanka. Every visitor to Tamil Nadu must be able to
enjoy the right to freedom of movement, religion and expression, as guaranteed
under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” Mr. Ananthapadmanabhan added.
