"There may be difference of opinion regarding Sri Lankan Government's action against Tamils living in that country, but that should not come in the way of people-to-people relationship between the two countries," CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat said. "It is unfortunate the incident has taken place in Tamil Nadu," he told reporters in Madurai.

"Whether they are tourists or pilgrims or sportsmen, good relationship should be maintained between the peoples of the two countries," he said. People-to-People relationship between the two countries should be "friendly and harmonious", he added.