London: The people should "respect" the Indian government's decision on 108-carat unique Kohinoor diamond and support it, Britain's longest serving MP of Asian origin in the House of Commons Keith Vaz said today.
The Indian Government made a statement to the Supreme Court yesterday that India should not try to reclaim the Kohinoor diamond as it was given to Britain as a gift.
"The Indian Government has made its decision and we should respect and support it.This draws a line under this particular campaign.There may of course be other issues that need to be pursued.I am sure Her Majesty the Queen will be pleased as she celebrates her 90thBirthday," Vaz said.
The diamond estimated to cost over USD 200 million was neither stolen nor "forcibly" taken by British rulers but given to East India Company by erstwhile rulers of Punjab 167 years back, government told the court.
Kohinoor, which means Mountain of Light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in Southern India in early 14th century. The gem, which came into British hands during the colonial era, is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and claimed by at least four nations including India.
