Reflecting the Centre's sentiments, Union minister for urban development Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said India needed to maintain good relationship with its neighbours, including Sri Lanka.

"Appropriate response will be given by the Indian government at the appropriate time," Naidu said against the backdrop of growing demand from political parties and outfits in Tamil Nadu for an Indian-sponsored 'strong' resolution against Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes and genocide in the ongoing session of UN human rights commission in Geneva.

"BJP, being a national party, is concerned about the ramifications, if any, at the national and international level," he told mediapersons here.

The minister asserted the Union government's stand for a credible inquiry into the war crimes in Lanka. "(But) what is credible should be discussed and decided. India being a neighbor, needs to maintain good relationship with all countries, including Sri Lanka. At the same time, Sri Lanka needs to see that the truth comes out, and people get justice," he said.

On the recent resolution unanimously adopted by the TN assembly seeking the Centre to move a resolution in UNHRC, Naidu said, "TN government has every right to pass such a resolution. But, we are a national party and heading a government at the Centre. We have to take care of pros and cons. If suppose, someone wants to take up the issue of Kashmir and wants a resolution, are we going to accept it?" he said, adding, ''we have to think twice, before taking any step."

The BJP leader said Sri Lankan Tamils issue had agitated the minds of the people of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken it up with his Lankan counterpart, Ranil Wikramesinghe during the latter's visit to New Delhi. "India's stand right from day one is that the 13th constitutional amendment, which was promised earlier, should be implemented in true spirit. Secondly, the devolution of powers to all the provinces, including (Tamil-dominated) Northern Province. Every section of Lanka should feel that they are part of the system, and they are all given due recognition and respect," Naidu said.

(Times of India)