The Government has strongly condemned the “derogatory” article against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, which recently appeared on the Sri Lankan Defence Ministry’s website. The article has since been withdrawn and an apology tendered by the Lankan Government, terming the article as “unauthorised”.

On Monday, members from AIADMK protested in both Houses of Parliament, demanding a statement from the Government, leading to two adjournments, with the protesting MPs trooping to the Well, shouting slogans like ‘Rajapakse down, down’ and ‘We want justice’.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour, M Thambidurai, AIADMK’s leader in the Lok Sabha, wanted the House to pass a “strong resolution” condemning Sri Lanka. In Rajya Sabha, the uproar was led by AIADMK’s V Maitreyan.

Later, the Minster of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, took turns to address both Houses. “The issue raised is indeed very serious. India strongly condemns it. We will definitely summon the High Commissioner of that country and tell him about it,” she said in Rajya Sabha.

Earlier, Thambidurai criticised the Government for “not yet condemning” the article and to “make its stand clear” on the matter. The article on Tamil Nadu fishermen was reportedly titled “How meanginful are Jayalalithaa’s love letters to Narendra Modi".

The AIADMK, while raising the issue of harassment of Tamil fishermen by Sri Lanka, said the TN Chief Minister had written several letters to Modi on the issue, and it is these letters that had been referred to in the “derogatory” article as “love letters”.

Thambidurai said the Modi Government had promised during its election campaign that it would resolve the issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen, but was “not doing anything”.

“We are Indians. But does the Government feel (itself as) Indian as they seem to be more supportive of Sri Lanka? The Centre has not yet condemned this article. You should respect regional feelings also”, he added.

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