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BJP seeks release of Sri Lankan ex-army chief

By IANS,

New Delhi : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday demanded the release of Sri Lanka’s former army chief Sarath Fonseka, who was arrested for allegedly conspiring to topple the government.

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said in a statement: “As the world’s largest democracy we cannot approve of this, particularly when it is happening so close to us.

“We call upon President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure the safety and well-being of the opposition leader and request his release immediately.”

Fonseka spearheaded the final phase of military operations against the Tamil Tigers last year before unsuccessfully contesting in presidential election last month.

Fonseka was arrested Monday. According to the government, he has been accused of conspiring to topple the government and for creating divisions within the army when he was the commander.