Varavara for probe into war crimes in Lanka

NELLORE: Revolutionary writer and APCLC leader Varavara Rao urged the International Civil Society (ICS) and the United Nations to conduct an independent and impartial probe into war crimes in Srilanka.Speaking to mediapersons here on Monday, Rao who was here to participate in the district-level convention of 'Revolutionary Writers' Association (RWA)', alleged that at the behest of the Srilankan government, the army personnel perpetuated many atrocities on innocent civilians during the civil war and only a probe instituted by the UN could bring to light the crimes.He wanted the UN and the ICS to ensure that the Srilankan government allows free access to the media and international humanitarian agencies to look into matters of human right violations and crimes on part of the armed forces in Tamil-dominated areas of Srilanka. Rao demanded a white paper from the union government on the country's foreign policy with Srilanka and the military assistance provided to Srilanka since the UPA government came to power in 2004.He also demanded the Centre to withdraw the armed forces from Chattisgarh. Rao also urged to annul the death sentences awarded to five Adivasis in Jharkhand by the Ranchi High Court. RWA leaders Padmakumari, E Venkaiah, Devi, noted cine artist and film produce Narayana Murthy, film artist Kakarala and others were present.