Press Statement
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
The CPI(M) expresses its concern at the hostility displayed towards the people from Sri Lanka who are visiting Tamil Nadu. It is very unfortunate that two football teams of schoolboys from Sri Lanka who went to play in Tamil Nadu have been sent back at the instance of the state government. Some pilgrims from Sri Lanka visiting a church in Tiruvavur were harassed and they had to return. The CPI(M) condemns this incident.
We have to maintain people to people relations and foster friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries. Whatever the differences and opposition that exists regarding the Sri Lankan government’s approach to the Tamil question in Sri Lanka, nothing should be done to disturb people to people relations.
The CPI(M) appeals to all sections of the people and the political forces in Tamil Nadu to ensure that friendly and harmonious relations are maintained with the people of Sri Lanka.