SRI LANKAN AIRMEN SHOULD NOT BE TRAINED ANYWHERE IN INDIA

SRI LANKAN AIRMEN SHOULD NOT BE TRAINED ANYWHERE IN INDIA - JAYALALITHAA

Under huge pressure from political parties in Tamil Nadu, the Indian government has decided to end the training of Sri Lankan personnel at the Tambaram Air force Station near Chennai. The nine Sri Lankans have been moved to the Yalahanka base in Bangalore.

Their nine month training is meant to help them learn ground handling of transport air craft.

As a way of justifying their move from Chennai, the Indian government says that this phase of the Sri Lankans’ training is complete; the new one will begin in Bangalore.

But Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa says Lankan airmen should not be trained anywhere in India. “Tamils will not accept the training being imparted in Bangalore. I insist that the Sri Lankan personnel should not be trained anywhere in India and the Centre should take steps for their return to Sri Lanka,” she demanded

Ms Jayalalithaa had taken offense to the training being offered in her state. “This is anti-Tamil and inappropriate at a time when the whole world is seeking action against Sri Lanka for violations in the war.” Other parties - including the DMK, a key member of the coalition at the centre - had joined her.

Any form of military help to Sri Lanka has always triggered strong opposition in Tamil Nadu. A few years ago, political parties in the state opposed the supply of radars to the country.

Last year, a training programme for 25 Sri Lankan soldiers at the Defence Service Staff College at Wellington near Ooty was scrapped following political pressure. - NDTV

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