COLOMBO (TIP): The National Freedom Front (NFF), a key ally of President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed doubts over India‘s motives in abstaining at the UNHRC vote against Sri Lanka.”We have to closely examine why India abstained,” Mohamed Muzammil, the NFF spokesman told reporters.

“India not only voted in favour of the resolution in 2012 and 2013, they played a leading role in getting votes in favour of the US resolutions each year,” Muzammil stressed. “This year they abstained. We think that they now want to force Sri Lanka to implement the thirteenth amendment.” Despite the concerns of his nationalist ally, President Rajapaksa, bouyed by India’s decision, ordered the immediate release of all Indian fishermen held in Sri Lankan custody for alleged poaching.