New Delhi, Mar 19 (IANS): Congress president Sonia Gandhi Tuesday denounced the "unspeakable atrocities" committed on Tamils in Sri Lanka and sought an independent and credible probe into rights abuses there.

"The plight of Sri Lankan Tamils is very close to our hearts," she told Congress MPs at a meeting in parliament house here.

"We are anguished by the reports of unspeakable atrocities on innocent civilians and children, especially during the last days of the conflict in 2009.

"That is why we demand an independent and credible inquiry into the violation of human rights in Sri Lanka," she added.

"Our support for their (Tamil) equal rights and equal protection ... has been unwavering since the days of Indiraji and Rajivji.

"We are most pained at the manner in which their legitimate political rights continue to be denied to them," said Gandhi.

Talking about Indian fishermen detained or fired at by the Sri Lankan Navy, Gandhi said it was a matter of grave concern.

"A permanent solution to the daily violence against them is also imperative," she said.