‘Fake and blatantly false’: India refutes ‘stories’ on sending troops to Violence-hit Sri Lanka

By PTI

COLOMBO: The Indian High Commission right here on Wednesday categorically dismissed speculative media stories about New Delhi sending its troops to Colombo, saying India is totally supportive of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability and financial restoration.

The denial from the Indian mission got here a day after it refuted as “fake and blatantly false” native social media hypothesis that former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his members of the family have fled to India.

The whereabouts of Mahinda Rajapaksa has been speculated since his resignation on Monday.

It was reported that Mahinda had left his office-cum-official residence, Temple Trees.

In its first response to the scenario in Sri Lanka, India on Tuesday mentioned that it’s “fully supportive” of the island nation’s democracy, stability and financial restoration.

“The High Commission would like to categorically deny speculative reports in sections of media and social media about #India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. These reports and such views are also not in keeping with the position of the Government of #India,” the Indian mission mentioned on Twitter.

“The Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs of India clearly stated yesterday that India is fully supportive of Sri Lanka’s democracy, stability and economic recovery,” it mentioned in one other tweet.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi mentioned in New Delhi on Tuesday: “India will always be guided by the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka expressed through democratic processes”.

Mahinda, 76, resigned as prime minister amid unprecedented financial turmoil within the nation, hours after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army troops within the capital.

The assault triggered widespread violence in opposition to pro-Rajapaksa politicians.

A gaggle of protesters gathered across the Naval base within the japanese port district of Trincomalee, claiming Mahinda had taken refuge there.

Calls for his arrest are growing for his alleged instigation of a mob which went on to assault anti-government protesters who’re calling for the Rajapaksa household, together with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to resign.

At least 8 individuals have died whereas over 250 individuals have been injured within the clashes which additionally noticed scores of properties belonging to ruling social gathering politicians being set on fireplace.

President Gotabaya has urged the individuals to cease “violence and acts of revenge” in opposition to fellow residents and vowed to deal with the political and financial disaster dealing with the nation Sri Lanka is dealing with its worst financial disaster since gaining independence from Britain in 1948.

The disaster is prompted partially by an absence of international forex, which has meant that the nation can’t afford to pay for imports of staple meals and gasoline, resulting in acute shortages and really excessive costs.

Thousands of demonstrators have hit the streets throughout Sri Lanka since April 9.