This Article is From Feb 11, 2010

India's official stand on Fonseka made clear

India's official stand on Fonseka made clear
New Delhi: Breaking its silence on detention of former Sri Lankan Army Chief General Sarath Fonseka, India on Thursday said it "trusts" that the Rajapakse government would "observe" due process of law in the case.

External Affairs Ministry said India was in touch with the Sri Lankan authorities over the detention three days back.

"We have been in touch with the Government of Sri Lanka over the detention of Rtd Gen Sarath Fonseka," the Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said in a statement in New Delhi.

"As a friend and neighbour, we trust that due processes of law will be observed in democratic Sri Lanka in this matter," Prakash said.

Fonseka was taken into custody by the military on February 8 with the government alleging that he was planning a coup against President Rajapakse.

Foneseka's wife has moved the Supreme Court against his detention saying she fears for her husband's life.       

The former Army Chief, who led the war against LTTE with success, developed differences with Rajapakse later.

Subsequently, he contested the Presidential elections against Rajpakse last month but lost.
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