New Delhi, Feb 18 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today asked the LTTE to immediately release all civilians and lay down arms even as the MDMK and PMK members from Tamil Nadu forced adjournment of the Lok Sabha twice following slogan shouting demonstration demanding an end to the war in Sri Lanka.
"As the conflict enters what may be the final phase of military operations, the LTTE would best serve the interests of the Tamils by immediately releasing all civilians and laying down arms," he said while making a suo motu statement on the situation in Sri Lanka.
He said New Delhi was ready to facilitate the evacuation of civilians trapped in the area of conflict. The second batch of relief material was being sent.
Mr Mukherjee alleged that the LTTE cadres had been stopping civilians escaping from the conflict and even killing them.
He said Sri Lankan forces had made significant advances into LTTE-held territory, restricting LTTE cadres to a small area of approximately 150 sq km adjacent to the coast.
Sri Lankan forces have captured Killinochchi, Elephant Pass and Mullaitivu town and have regained control of the A-9 highway.
The Minister assured the House that the government would continue to stay engaged in the process of bringing 'enduring' peace to Sri Lanka, working with the government and the various communities there, in pursuit of our common security and prosperity.
"India continues to suport a negotiated political settlement in Sri Lanka within the framework of an undivided Sri Lanka acceptable to all the communities, including the Tamil community," he said.
Dissatisfied with the Minister's statement, PMK and MDMK members, who came to the House wearing black shirts, created noisy scenes, leading to adjournment of the house for 25 minutes till 1245 hrs.
When the House reassembled, the members continued with their slogan shouting protest asking India to exert pressure to stop the war against ethnic Tamils. They rushed to the well of the House, forcing the Chair again to adjourn the House till 1400 hrs.
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