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NEW DELHI, INDIA, May 23, 2006: Amid increasing fighting in Sri Lanka, the influx of Tamil refugees to India is rising and fears are expressed that the situation may become worse after the European Union bans LTTE. At least 2,000 Tamils have already reached India and several hundred more are believed to be ready to leave Sri Lanka, official sources said here today. The people have started fleeing the island nation in the wake of escalation of fighting there. With the European Union preparing to ban LTTE, New Delhi feels that on one side it is a positive step, but on the other hand, it is worrying because the Sri Lankan government may feel triumphant and intensify action against the rebels. Official sources here emphasized that there is a need for both sides to display flexibility and work to strengthen the peace process. Major escalation in the fighting in Sri Lanka will not be liked by India which will have to bear the political and economic fallout of the situation in the neighboring country. The effect will be mainly pronounced in South India. New Delhi is, however, wary of getting involved in the Sri Lankan affairs directly because of the “certain history” (HPI note: meaning the failure by 1990 of an Indian peacekeeping force to control northern Sri Lanka, plus the assassination of the Rajiv Gandhi. For a lengthy analysis of the peacekeeping force made in 2000, see here.) and domestic political reality. Besides, India does not have any direct contact with the LTTE. As a result, India is putting all its effort in backing the Norwegian mediation. Sources said that some parties, particularly Sinhala groups in Southern Sri Lanka were open to the idea of having a federal structure modelled on India.

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