Jain Commission Fallout: Testimonies
Commision's Omissions

The initial revelation of the Jain Commission's interim report have, predictably, created a controversy. There are charges that Jain was selective in his indignation and that he did not attach sufficient importance to the testimonies of various individuals. In particular, the interim report has been criticised for prejudging the issue and partial use of available evidence. INDIA TODAY collates some of the contrarian testimonies. Excerpts:

"The confiscation of arms in 1987 by the Customs was reported to me ... Rajiv Gandhi asked me to take lenient action in the matter. (As finance minister) I directed the revenue secretary to be lenient."

"The intention of the ltte to form a new Tamil country (comprising parts of Tamil Nadu in India and Sri Lanka) was well known to Rajiv Gandhi's government. Yet during this very period, attempts were made to open channels with Prabhakaran via the DMK by Rajiv Gandhi."

"Apart from the personal opinion of Rajiv Gandhi, the official policy of the Government of India ... stood for integrity of Sri Lanka and not for Eelam and this policy was continued during our government. The idea of Eelam and promises by Rajiv were introduced suddenly and were inconsistent with the policy of the Government of India, and this dual handling ... caused much loss in our relationship with Sri Lanka and perhaps ultimately also led to greater animus in the LTTE."

"Para 8 (of the IB report) speaks of injured cadres who were relatives of Kittu, and Kittu was allowed by Rajiv Gandhi to stay in comfort in Madras even during the period of the IPKF-LTTE conflict." (Deposition of V.P. Singh)

"There was not a single objection from any quarter with regard to the formulated scheme for alternate security. Security officers, who were appointed during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure and who continued during V.P. Singh's tenure and thereafter during Chandra Shekhar's government, did not raise any objection or suggest any change or modification to the said scheme. The said officers included the Chief of RAW and the SPG." (Affidavit of V.P. Singh)

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