The Hindu Business Line : Pranab briefed on situation in Lanka

NEW DELHI: As it watches closely the developments in Sri Lanka, the government was on Thursday briefed on the situation in the island nation by High Commissioner, Mr Alok Prasad who has been called here for consultations.

Mr Prasad met the External Affairs Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary, Mr Shivshankar Menon here and apprised him about the latest developments in Sri Lanka's north where about 10,000 civilians are trapped in the conflict, sources said.

The briefing about the ground situation would help the government firm up its approach towards the issue which has triggered an uproar in Tamil Nadu.

Political parties of Tamil Nadu, including UPA ally DMK, have been pressing the Central government to intervene to stop the war in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan Singh last night reviewed the situation with his senior Cabinet colleagues Mr Mukherjee and Defence Minister Mr A K Antony. The National Security Adviser, Mr M K Narayanan and Mr Menon also attended the late night meeting.

After the meeting, Mr Mukherjee said India was “very unhappy” over the killing of innocent civilians and LTTE must stop the “barbaric” attempt to hold civilians hostage.

Sources said the Indian government is in touch with Sri Lankan authorities on the issue and the situation is being monitored closely. - PTI

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