Takeaway: What Should Tamils Demand from Visiting Modi?
- End Militarization – Demand removal of Sri Lankan military from Tamil areas.
- Call for Referendum – Ask India to support (or not oppose) a UN-supervised Tamil independence referendum.
- Justice for Genocide – Push for India’s backing of international investigations into war crimes.
- Free Diaspora Investment – Remove military and intelligence barriers to diaspora-funded development in Tamil regions.
- Political Autonomy – Tie India’s aid to real political power and self-rule for Tamils, not just infrastructure.
- Protect Tamil Identity – Demand safeguards for Tamil language, culture, and protection against Sinhalisation.
- Symbolic Solidarity – Invite Modi to honor Tamil war victims—publicly and respectfully.
“This is not a time for silence. It’s a time to assert our rights and demand our future,” said the organization.
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Tamils Must Speak with One Voice During Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Sri Lanka
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka, U.S. Tamil Diaspora News urges the Tamil people, Tamil political leadership, and civil society in the island to make firm and unified demands. This visit presents a rare opportunity to bring Tamil grievances, aspirations, and justice to the forefront of the regional and international stage.
We urge Tamils to respectfully but unequivocally ask Prime Minister Modi to use India’s influence to press the Sri Lankan government for the following:
1. Immediate Demilitarization of Tamil Areas
The Tamil homeland remains heavily militarized. Over 16 years after the war ended, the overwhelming military presence continues to suppress civil liberties and economic recovery. India must demand the immediate removal of military camps and intelligence networks from Tamil-majority areas.
2. Support for a Tamil Referendum on Sovereignty
India, as co-author of the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord, acknowledged the existence of Tamil homelands and their unique identity. Now is the time to go further: India must support or at least not obstruct a UN-administered referendum on Tamil self-determination in the North-East.
3. International Justice for Tamil Genocide
Sri Lanka has failed to provide accountability for the mass atrocities committed against Tamils, particularly during the final phase of the war. Tamils should demand India’s full backing for international investigations and prosecutions under the UN system.
4. Freedom for Tamil Diaspora to Invest Without Military Obstruction
Thousands of Tamil diaspora families want to invest in rebuilding their homeland. Yet, investment is often blocked by Sri Lankan military oversight and intelligence licensing. Modi must push Sri Lanka to remove these restrictions and allow free, secure, and transparent investment in Tamil areas.
5. Real Political Autonomy, Not Just Roads and Housing
India’s aid to the Tamil areas is welcome, but economic aid without political rights is not enough. Tamil people must request that any Indian-funded development be tied to clear steps toward regional autonomy and Tamil political empowerment.
6. Cultural and Linguistic Rights for Tamils
The Indian Prime Minister, as a leader of a fellow Tamil-speaking civilization, should stand for the protection and promotion of Tamil language rights, cultural institutions, and heritage. He must also speak out against ongoing Sinhalisation of Tamil sacred lands and demographic manipulation.
A Symbolic Act of Solidarity
We also urge Tamils to invite Prime Minister Modi to pay tribute to Tamil victims of the war—by visiting a war memorial or meeting Tamil war widows. Such a symbolic gesture of remembrance and respect would speak volumes to the Tamil people and the world.
Tamils must not miss this moment. It is not a time for silence or vague pleasantries. It is a time to assert our rights, seek justice, and demand the political future that our people deserve.
– U.S. Tamil Diaspora News
Contact: news@tamildiasporanews.com | www.tamildiasporanews.com
