.... do the same for Sri Lanka: MIC Youth

The Malaysian government should initiate the passing of a resolution requesting the United Nations to intercede immediately with the Sri Lankan government to stop Tamils being killed indiscriminately in its war with the Tamils in Sri Lanka, said MIC Youth advisor Vel Paari.

In a statement today, he said what is happening in Sri Lanka is similar to the Israeli aggression against the Palestinians.

"The Sri Lankan military is killing innocent Tamils. Untold number of children are the victims of their savage attacks. In these awful atmosphere of death and sorrow we request the Malaysian government to initiate a resolution to request the United Nations to intercede and stop such massacres and carnage.

"There should be immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka. Those affected by the savage attacks of the Sri Lankan forces need to be evacuated to safe-zones and be provided with necessary medical care and other assistance. The world body must ensure that the Sri Lankan government ceases all its military activities and peace be returned to the areas inhabited by the Tamils," he said.

Many nations including Malaysia, said Vel Paari, have condemned Israel for its military actions in Palestine.

The same kind of savagery is being carried out in Sri Lanka and so nations, including Malaysia, should condemn Sri Lanka for its military actions, he added.

To submit memorandum to PM

He said MIC Youth is meeting this week to discuss and prepare a memorandum for submission to the government.

The memorandum will be presented to Prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and copies will be submitted to all the component parties of Barisan Nasional.

"It is worthwhile to recall here that Umno Youth had requested the government recently to initiate a resolution in the Parliament to not only condemn Israel but also to request UN to initiate some form of action to stop the war and resume peace talks by the parties involved.

"We, on our part will urge Umno Youth to do the same in respect of the affairs of the Tamils in Sri Lanka," he said.

"Those affected Tamils in Sri Lanka are the same as Tamils in Malaysia. In terms of race, religion, culture and language we have common links and heritage.

"We, Malaysian Indians have a moral responsibility to question the actions of the Sri Lanka government, and need be condemn its actions without any reservations," he added.

Vel Paari also pointed out that BN component parties, apart from MIC, such as Gerakan and PPP, have many Indian members.

"So as component parties of BN, we have every right to request the Malaysian government to initiate such a resolution requesting the UN to intercede in the affairs of Sri Lanka and to stop innocent Tamils from being killed indiscriminately," he said.