Fernandes reiterates stand

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MAY 20. The Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, today said India could not be compelled by anyone to play a role in resolving the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and reiterated the country's stand on non- military intervention.

Commenting on the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar's statement that events in Jaffna might force India to play a role, he said New Delhi had already made its position clear.

``There is no question of New Delhi intervening militarily, though we can provide humanitarian aid including helping in evacuation,'' Mr. Fernandes told reporters after addressing the South Asia Conference on ``Legacy of Mahbub-ul- Haq: Human Development'' organised by the Institute of Social Sciences here.

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