Saving Sri Lankan Tamils: destroy LTTE

by Hasaka Rathnamalala

THE STATEMENT made by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the Sri Lanka conflict gives a sense of direction in finding a solution to this two-decade old conflict. In his statement, Dr. Singh mentioned, “…the situation in Sri Lanka does not call for military victory but a negotiated, political settlement that respects Sri Lankan sovereignty and the human rights of ethnic Tamils”. I think that was what successive Sri Lankan governments believed in and worked for; but unfortunately each negotiation ended in more bloodshed as LTTE never believed that a negotiated settlement was the answer to this conflict.

Hence, the question that arises is who should the Sri Lankan government negotiate with? Is it the LTTE? If the negotiation is with the LTTE, will the latter agree to a solution within the framework of a sovereign Sri Lanka as Dr Singh mentioned? If the answer is yes, why did LTTE walk out of the previous negotiations citing trivial reasons? Not only the previous peace talks but also the India-brokered 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution was a fine opportunity for any one interested in a real solution to this conflict. Unfortunately, LTTE placed more faith in a military solution and the opportunity went unutilised. Successive Sri Lankan governments since 1983 recognised and conceded almost all Tamil demands except the one that sought a separate country for the Sri Lankan Tamils. But LTTE wanted a separate country, as living in an undivided Sri Lanka was not what it wanted.

LTTE knows it can never wangle a separate country for Tamils through negotiations. Their complaint now is, ’Tamils don’t have a country of their own’. Is that Sri Lanka’s problem? If LTTE wants a separate country for Tamils they may believe Sri Lanka is an easier target than India or Malaysia. Raising such a demand in Tamil Nadu or Malaysia will prove disastrous for it. Instead, carving a country for Tamils out of Sri Lanka will give the LTTE elements a huge boost.

India should understand that saving LTTE now will result in a grave threat to its own security. After all, those want the Sri Lankan Tamils saved want the LTTE saved, given the grave situation LTTE is facing in Killinochchi right now.
Those who voice support for the Tamils should know that 54 percent of the Sri Lankan Tamil population lives with the Sinhalese in other provinces. Of the remaining 46 percent, a big chunk lives in the Eastern province and the rest lives in the Jaffna peninsula. These Tamils don’t support LTTE or its terrorism. In fact, they have chosen the democratic path to fulfil their demands.

There are so many Tamil ministers in the present Sri Lankan government. There are many high-ranking officers serving in every wing of the Sri Lankan government services. Those Tamils have been working for one identity, viz., the Sri Lankan identity not just a Tamil-only identity. Tamil Nadu politicians and Indian politicians must understand this truth before they comment on Sri Lanka’s internal matters. Also they should understand that Sri Lankans cannot progress as a country without getting rid of LTTE-sponsored terrorism. If Tamil Nadu politicians really want to support the Tamils in Sri Lanka, they should help the Sri Lankan government destroy LTTE once and for all. That will help the Tamils in Sri Lanka to live in peace.

Source: merinews