Sri lanka frees Indian fisherman after UN vote

Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday ordered the release of all Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan custody, a day after India abstained from backing a resolution against Colombo at United Nation (UN).
The Indian government on Thursday made a surprise decision to abstain from voting at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. New Delhi criticized US sponsored draft resolution, saying it was inconsistent and impractical.

There was a strong speculation that India would back the resolution, especially with political parties in Tamil Nadu raising the pitch against the Sri Lankan government.

A total of 12 countries abstained. China, Russia, Pakistan and Cuba were among the countries that voted against the resolution. Japan also abstained.

The resolution calls for an international investigation over alleged human rights abuses during the war in Sri Lanka.

Colombo maintains it will not agree to an international probe.