(Indo-Sri Lanka Accord), Diplomatic agreement between PM Rajiv Gandhi and Srilanka President JR Jayawardane to solve the ethnic problem. An autonomous unit comprising northern and eastern provinces (where Tamils are concentrated) would be constituted. Elections to provincial councils were to be completed by Dec , in the presence of Indian observers. Emergency was to be lifted from northern and eastern provinces.
Tamil, Sinhalese and English would be official languages of Sir Lanka. Deployment of IPKF to guarantee and enforce cessation of hostilities between Lankan army and Tamil militants. Agreement was vehemently opposed by Sri Lankans and an attack was attempted on Rajiv Gandhi when he was inspecting guard of honour at Colombo airport. India’s rehabilitation measures for Sri Lankan Tamils The construction of , houses for resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs in Northern and Eastern Provinces is part of the overall commitment to build , houses announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the State visit of the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa to India, in June , , have been completed until .
USD million grant to build the houses was one of the largest grants by India in any country. Indian PM flagged off a train service at the north-western Sri Lankan town of Talaimannar - the closest point to India - restored after decades of civil war, completing the reconstruction of the entire Northern Province Railway Line. Accompanied by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Modi also unveiled a plaque inaugurating Talaimannar Pier Railway station. The newly-constructed -km railway track is the last segment of the -km long, prestigious Northern Railway Line Reconstruction Project which is being executed by IRCON International Ltd., a Government of India owned company.
During the period of Lal Bahadur Sastri’s premiership an agreement was reached between the two nations in resolving the issues of Indian origin Tamils. India agreed to provide citizenship to two thirds of the people of Indian origin; But the ethnic conflict between native Tamils (Eelam Tamils) and the Singhalese erupted into a protracted civil war, revolting a massive influx of Tamil refugees into India. Way Ahead India can try to get back the island of Kachchatheevu atleast on “lease in perpetuity” or by negotiations. Permit licensed Indian fishermen to fish within a designated area of Sri Lankan waters and vice versa.
There is a glaring need for institutionalisation of fishing in Indian waters by the Government of India so that alternative means of livelihood are provided. Government will have to mark up a comprehensive plan to reduce the dependence of Indian fishermen on catch from Palk Bay. If these social issues can be sorted out. India and Sri Lankan can become prime movers in the regional polity.