India to vote against Sri Lanka at UN over alleged war crimes

India said Monday that it intended to vote against Sri Lanka at a session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva over war crimes allegedly committed by Colombo during the civil war with Tamil Tigers, especially the final months of the war in 2009. "We do not yet have the final text of the U.S.-sponsored resolution against Sri Lanka. But we are inclined to vote in favor, " Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Indian Parliament. A resolution against Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes and human rights violations has been moved by the United States, Norway and France. The prime minister's statement is likely to pacify the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's southern ally, the DMK, which has threatened to pull out of the coalition if India either abstains or supports Sri Lanka at the vote. The DMK has 18 Lok Sabha MPs and their support is crucial for the UPA government's survival. Singh said Sri Lanka still needs reconciliation and healing of wounds after the devastating war with Tamil Tigers which ended in 2009. Local TV channels have shown documentaries on atrocities committed by Sri Lankan army against Tamil civilians, including bombing of civilians, shelling of hospitals, raping and killing of Tamil women, summary executions of war of prisoners, torturing of Tamils and looting of properties of Tamils. India thinks the UN resolution should cover India's objectives to achieve a future for Sri Lankan Tamils based on equality, dignity, justice and self respect.