A New India

Chapter 119: Rohan–Senanayake Pact - III

KP Singh was ready with his response. "We have a plan. India has been modernizing its agricultural and industrial sectors. There are ongoing development projects in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Punjab that can provide opportunities for the returnees. With proper training and support, they can become a productive part of our economy."

Senanayake leaned back in his chair, his expression one of cautious optimism. "A phased approach may work, but we will need clear commitments from India. This can't be an open-ended process. We need a timeline, and we need guarantees that those who are repatriated will be properly resettled."

Rohan nodded. "We're prepared to discuss those details. We'll need to coordinate with our state governments, but I'm confident we can find a solution that works for both our countries."

The room fell silent for a moment as both sides processed the tentative agreement.

The mood had shifted from confrontation to cooperation, but there were still many hurdles to overcome.

Rohan broke the silence, his voice steady. "Prime Minister Senanayake, we're not just here to negotiate the repatriation of people. We're here to ensure that the future of these Indian Tamils whether they stay in Ceylon or return to India is secure. We have a responsibility to them, and I believe we can find a solution that respects their dignity."

Senanayake met Rohan's eyes, his expression softening.

He seemed to sense the sincerity in Rohan's words, recognizing that both men were stuck with a choice that could affect generations

He nodded slowly, choosing his next words with care.

"Prime Minister Rohan," Senanayake began, his voice calm but resolute, "I appreciate the humanity with which you're approaching this issue. I also believe that both of our nations have a moral responsibility to these people. But, as you've said, the reality is complex. We must move carefully.

The Sinhalese nationalist movement is growing stronger, and they see the Indian Tamil population as a threat to their political future. If we grant too many of them citizenship, we could face internal unrest, the kind that could destabilize the entire region."

Rohan understood this well. He, too, faced pressure back home from both those who viewed the Indian Tamils as part of India's larger family and those who feared the strain such an influx of people would put on India's resources and infrastructure.

The stakes were high on both sides.

KP Singh, sensing the slight shift in tone, leaned forward and spoke. "Prime Minister Senanayake, India has no desire to destabilize Ceylon or force a situation that would lead to unrest. But, as Sir mentioned, a phased and structured approach is key. The Indian Tamils who remain in Ceylon must be given full rights and recognized as part of your nation.

For those who will be repatriated, we are prepared to support them, but this will require cooperation between our governments."

Sir John Kotelawala, glanced at Senanayake before addressing Rohan and KP Singh. "We're open to this phased approach, but we'll need clear guarantees. The repatriation process cannot drag on indefinitely. There must be a timeline. Ceylon cannot commit to keeping the Indian Tamils in limbo, waiting year after year for a resolution that never comes. Our citizens will expect results, and quickly."

Rohan nodded thoughtfully. "I understand your concerns, Foreign Minister Kotelawala. We can't afford to let this issue linger any longer than necessary. But the reality is that repatriating and resettling such a large population takes time. We need to do this carefully, and we'll need cooperation from state governments across India.

If we rush this, we risk creating even bigger problems displacement, poverty, and unrest in India as well. We're prepared to move forward, but we'll need Ceylon's commitment to ensuring that the Indian Tamils who stay behind are given full citizenship."

Senanayake listened carefully, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table as he thought through the implications. "Ceylon is prepared to grant citizenship to those Indian Tamils who are deeply integrated into our society. But,"

He said, leaning forward slightly.

"This process cannot undermine the political balance in Ceylon. The Sinhalese majority is fearful of losing their position of power. If we push too far, too fast, it could lead to protests, even violence. We must be careful."

Rohan understood, He had seen firsthand how fragile peace could be when groups felt marginalized or threatened.

The Sri Lankan leader's concerns were valid, but so were India's.

"You're right, Prime Minister," Rohan said carefully.

"Both of us are managing internal pressures. But this is a moment where we must find balance between pragmatism and humanity. These are people we're talking about, families who've lived their entire lives in Ceylon. Many of them see it as home. Those who stay must feel like they are part of your nation not as outsiders, not as temporary residents, but as citizens with equal rights."

Senanayake nodded, clearly weighing Rohan's words. "Agreed. We will begin working on a plan to grant citizenship to around 300,000 to 400,000 Indian Tamils. But for the rest, we will need a firm timeline from India regarding the repatriation process. If Ceylon is to take this step, we need assurances that India will take responsibility for those who will return."

Rohan added, "The Indo-Swiss Dairy Project we implemented recently has shown us the value of proper planning and integration. We gave farmers the tools, the training, and the resources to succeed, and we can apply those same principles here. The Indian Tamils who return will be integrated into our agricultural and industrial sectors.

They'll be given jobs, education, and support to ensure they're not left stranded. But we'll need Ceylon's cooperation in making sure this process is humane and organized."

Senanayake looked to Kotelawala, then back to Rohan and KP Singh. "I believe we can move forward on this basis, but the details will need to be worked out carefully.

We'll need to establish a committee on both sides to oversee the implementation of this agreement one that can ensure the timeline is met, that the returnees are resettled properly, and that those who remain in Ceylon are integrated smoothly."

Sir John Kotelawala spoke up again, his tone a bit more conciliatory. "I think we're making progress, Prime Minister Rohan. There are still details to hammer out, but this phased approach seems like the most viable option. We'll need to brief our respective cabinets, of course, and there will be political challenges on both sides.

But if we can present this as a fair, balanced agreement, I believe we can avoid the worst of the backlash."

Rohan nodded "That's our goal to avoid creating new problems while solving the current one. This is about ensuring a future for these people, whether they remain in Ceylon or return to India."

Senanayake leaned back, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "We'll need to discuss the specific timeline for repatriation, and I'll need to consult with my cabinet on the citizenship plan. But I think we have the beginnings of a workable agreement."

Rohan smiled faintly, the weight of the negotiations still heavy but beginning to lift. "Thank you, Prime Minister Senanayake. I believe we're on the verge of something that could set a positive precedent for both our countries. This is about more than just solving a political issue it's about doing what's right for the people who have been caught in the middle for too long."

Senanayake stood up, signaling the end of the formal discussion for the day. "Let's reconvene tomorrow to continue working through the details. But for now, I think we can both say we've made significant progress."

Rohan stood as well, shaking Senanayake's hand firmly. "I agree, Prime Minister. We've taken an important first step. Now let's make sure we follow through."

As the delegations filed out of the room, Rohan turned to KP Singh, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "We're not done yet, but I think we're getting there."

KP spoke with caution "Prime Minister we haven't considered a situation where those Tamilian would not want to leave their homeland"

Rohan stood silently for a while and spoke

"That's a situation I have already thought of KP and even though we are here discussing all this, deep down I know this is the Only thing that will happen and when this happens, I don't know how to deal with it"