Paradise Gained and Lost: The Indo-Lanka Accord and Tamils
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
“Nallathor Veenai Seithe – athai
Nalangkedap Puluthiyil Erivathundo?”
[ Is a good Veena (musical instrument) made and thrown into the dust to decay? ]-Subramaniya Bharathiyar
Twenty years have passed since the signing of the Indo – Lanka accord by Rajiv Gandhi and Junius Richard Jayewardena on July 29th 1987. It was hailed as a great breakthrough when it was signed. Much was expected of it then. Today it remains “valid” only on paper and seems destined for the dustbin of history unless New Delhi makes a determined effort to re-activate and enforce it vigorously.
When the accord was signed and Indian soldiers arrived in the Island as “peacekeepers” the predominantly Sinhala “South” protested vehemently. But the Tamils of the North – East welcomed the “jawans” whole- heartedly. Within months the situation reversed when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) took on the Indian army.
In the words of Jayewardena “the referee was now fighting in the ring”. The image of the IPKF underwent a change from that of “Indian Peace Keeping Force” to “Innocent People Killing Force”. When the Indian army left Lankan shores in 1990 there were few to mourn its departure.
Much water has flown between both shores of the palk straits during the past two decades. New Delhi’s policy towards Colombo has changed. While its commitment to Sri Lanka’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty remains steadfast there is discernible change towards the Tamils. No longer is the envisaged solution to be “acceptable to the Tamils”. Nowadays it has to be “acceptable to all sections of the people”.
Striking Contrast
A striking contrast between an event that happened twenty years ago and recent developments nearly two decades later, provide penetrating insight into this changed state of affairs.
On June 4th 1987 the Indian Air Force conducted “operation Poomalai” by which food parcels were dropped over Jaffna in what was described as a humanitarian exercise. This was in the aftermath of “Operation Liberation” in Vadamaratchy and India was concerned then about starvation in Jaffna.
Actually no one was starving in Jaffna then. The whole exercise, beneath the humanitarian facade, was a power projection, intended to drive home a lesson to Colombo.
[J.R. Jayewardena]
To his credit Jayewardena realised what was in store if he failed to toe the line. So he ‘bowed” to the big neighbour. The immediate consequence was the accord. Yet, later events proved that JR had only “stooped to conquer”.
Last year in August the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) shut down the entry – exit point along the A – 9 Highway in Muhamaalai. This resulted in a de – facto “economic embargo” on Jaffna. A massive shortage occurred in Jaffna of food, medicine and essential items. Non – Governmental organizations described the situation as being “famine – like “.
Against this backdrop the head of the “Thamizh Thesiya Iyakkam ” (Tamil National Movement) in Tamil Nadu – Palaniyappan Nedumaran – got his act together. He collected at short notice dry rations and medicine valued at one crore Indian rupees.
[P. Nedumaran]
When attempts were made to send the stuff through the Red Cross to Northern Sri Lanka the Indian authorities clamped down. Permission was refused. Nedumaran has engaged in many protests and representations have been made by several politicians to the Indian Government but New Delhi remains unrelenting.
Twin Phenomena
These twin phenomena to my mind illustrate vividly the altered perceptions of New Delhi towards Jaffna in particular and Sri Lanka in general.
In 1987, reality in Jaffna was distorted to convey an impression that there was starvation warranting the drastic action of violating Lankan air space. So food parcels were dropped in what was essentially a “demonstration”.
In 2006 , when an acute food shortage prevailed in Jaffna, attempts to send food by concerned Indian Tamils is prevented and restricted. Food is dropped when there was no real need then. Now, when there was a real need, the shipping of food is prohibited.
Call it what you will – hypocrisy, double standards, political expediency, enlightened self – interest , political maturity , transformed inter – state relations or changed perceptions about the Sri Lankan Tamil issue , this “contra – distinction” between then and now , is harshly clear proof of prevailing reality.
What is sad about this state of affairs is the fact that the primary motivating factor in New Delhi’s benign intervention in Sri Lanka during the eighties in Sri Lanka, was to ensure a just and fair deal for Tamils in a united Sri Lanka.
Generally Countries act in their own self – interest but often attribute lofty motives for such actions. In the case of India vis a vis Sri Lanka there were three factors.
Confluence of Factors
Firstly the Jayewardena Govt was spurning “non – alignment” and taking Sri Lanka into a pro – Western orbit. Under prevailing conditions of the day New Delhi feared a Washington – Tel Aviv – Islamabad axis. India needed to bring Sri Lanka to “heel” and keep out undesirable elements out of the region.
Secondly there was the domestic imperative. There was much concern in Tamil Nadu for the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Tamil Nadu was once home to a flourishing separatist movement. India was concerned about the fall – out from Sri Lanka on Tamil Nadu if the conflict escalated here.
Thirdly there was the unacknowledged personality factor. Indira Gandhi was personally hostile to Jayewardena and Premadasa. At the same time she had a soft corner for the TULF politicians who remained loyal to her when in the opposition. The UNP on the other hand made fun of her defeat and cosied up to bete noir Morarji Desai.
[Indira Gandhi]
This confluence of factors deemed it necessary that India make a “benign” intervention in Sri Lanka
1)to help resolve the ethnic conflict within a united Sri Lanka but in a manner acceptable to Tamils,
2) make Colombo accept New Delhi’s hegemony over the region and appreciate Indian security concerns and teach the Jayewardena regime a lesson while rewarding the TULF.
It was at this point that the July 1983 pogrom occurred. Thousands of Tamils fled as refugees to India. Indian interests in Sri Lanka were harmed. This provided a “locus standi” for India to intervene in Sri Lanka.
[A.Amirthalingam]
Jayewardena then played into India’s hands by bringing in the 6th amendment disavowing separatism. This effectively disenfranchised the Tamil representatives in Parliament. JR also refused to talk directly to the TULF. This created an opportunity for India to step in and offer its “good offices” to bring about ethnic reconciliation.
So Gopalaswamy Parthasarathy became India’s official emissary tasked with evolving political rapprochement. But India followed a two – track policy. Tamil militant groups were trained and armed and housed on Indian soil. They were allowed to run political cum propaganda offices in Tamil Nadu publicly.
Indias Objectives
India’s objectives were clear. New Delhi wanted to use the Tamil militants as a cutting edge to de – stabilise the Jayewardena regime and also exert pressure on Colombo to deliver a political settlement. Once a viable solution was arrived the Tamil armed struggle was expected to end.
But the Tamils were not to be abandoned. India would underwrite a political solution and maintain a physical armed presence in North – East Sri Lanka to protect the Tamils and help implement the political solution.
Primarily, India was acting in its own interest. There was no “identity” of interests between India and the Tamils but there was certainly a “convergence” of interests between both. But this congruence had its limits.
Using the armed struggle for separatism as a pressuring device or bargaining tool was acceptable. But prolonging the struggle for a separate state in defiance of New Delhi was unacceptable. India was all for autonomy within a united SRi Lanka but opposed to a separate state.
Pragmatic Option
Pragmatically, the best option was for the Sri Lankan Tamils to hitch their “vandil” to the Indian star and accept the settlement provided through Indian efforts. The Tamils had a large support base in Tamil Nadu.
If the Tamils were politically astute they could have accepted the accord as a starting point and then gradually enhanced devolution to the point of quasi – federalism. In this exercise, India would have been on the side of the Tamils.
In practice , North – East Sri Lanka would have enjoyed a “special” status. The N – E would be part of a “de – Jure” Sri Lanka but virtually a “de – facto” extension of India. Let us remember that Indian “media” and “officials” were simply clambering aboard Indian air force planes and travelling to and from Palaly and Trincomalee then.
A delicate tight – rope walking act was required of Sri Lankan Tamil leaders. If they maintained correct relations with New Delhi and Colombo they could have elicited the best of both worlds for their people. If Sinhala hard- liners ruled the roost in Colombo and adopted a confrontation course with India, a Turkish – Cyprus type of de – facto partition may have ensued.
But these things did not happen. One reason was the shrewdness of Jayewardena who gave no cause for India to turn against him. Given the opposition in the South New Delhi was constrained to bail him out.
On the other hand there was the colossal political stupidity and self – centered arrogance of the LTTE. Not only did it target the Sri Lankan armed forces but also took on the Indian soldiers. New Delhi had no choice other than to fight the tigers. The IPKF – LTTE war altered the flow of events. War has a cruel logic and powerful momentum that changes things utterly.
Subsequent events may have transformed the situation drastically and alienated a large segment of the Tamils from India.Nevertheless the original intention of India to help evolve a political settlement within a united Sri Lanka is not to be faulted.
Distinct Nation
Even if New Delhi and Colombo dispute it there is no denying that the Sri Lankan Tamils are a distinct nation. But it is a tiny nation within another state that is also small. Also the Tamils have never had the North – East recognized as a distinct entity with an administrative apparatus. The accord provided it.
A tiny nation like the Sri Lankan Tamils cannot afford to fight the Sri Lankan state or the Indian state. The saner and prudent course would have been to align with India and accept what was given. Thereafter a process of political evolution could have extended Tamil political horizons.
Moreover Tamils cannot forget the depths of despair they had descended into after the July 1983 pogrom. A thoroughly de – moralised and dejected people revived themselves only after India stepped in. The Tamils felt they were not “orphans” only because of India. The hospitality shown by Tamil Nadu must always be remembered with gratitude.
It cannot be forgotten that till war erupted between the LTTE and IPKF, the Tamils on the whole appreciated Indian efforts in peacemaking and peacekeeping.
[Smiling Tamil Tot - Pic: HumanityAshore]
Changing Perceptions
I recall writing an article in the “Sunday Island ” twenty years ago headlined “Why Tamil Eyes Are Smiling” when the accord was signed.
That article went down well with the Tamil public because it basically reflected the prevailing Tamil mood. The Tamil sentiment was overwhelmingly for Indian intervention to ensure their rights in a united Lanka.
Weeks later in October war broke out. I was in Jaffna at that time and saw firsthand what was happening. It was my articles and news stories in the “Sunday Island” of Oct 25th 1987 that exposed the truth about “Indian military exploits” in Jaffna.
I was arrested on Oct 26th and held at the fourth floor for days. Later I was produced in courts and released on bail with a travel ban imposed. I had to report frequently to courts till I was cleared of all charges.
[Palmyrah tree lined A9 Road, in Navatkuli - Photo: HumanityAshore]
Months later I wrote an article in “Sunday Island” with the headline “Can the Pawan break the Palmyrah?”. The inference was to the IPKF operation codenamed “Pawan” or strong wind. I compared the Tamils to the Palmyrah tree which sways dangerously and may break in a storm but will never, ever bend like the reed to survive a storm.
Once again that article struck a responsive chord in the hurt Tamil psyche and I received innumerable letters. There were however some who disagreed. I remember , Rajini Thiranagama nee Rajasingham, my old schoolmate at Jaffna College arguing with me saying the “Palmyrah tree is broken”.
[IPKF Troops during the final withdrawal from the Island-Pic:bharat-rakshak]
These thoughts are recollected here only to portray how Sri Lankan Tamil perceptions changed about Indian intervention due to the IPKF – LTTE conflict. It cannot be denied that the tigers provoked the Indian army into responding the way it did.
While tiger supporters boast about “defeating the wiorld’s fourth largest army” Indian commentators try to set the record straight by emphasising “we foughr with one hand tied behind our back”.
[Rajiv Gandhi]
The end result however is that the Sri Lankan Tamils lost out and lost out badly in the end. Their plight has worsened after the LTTE’s colossal blunder of assassinating Rajiv Gandhi on Tamil Nadu soil.
Political Gains
People affected directly or indirectly by the Indian army find it difficult to forgive and forget. This is understandable to some extent.
But this rancour and ill – will should not cloud the fact that Indian intervention in Sri Lanka did succeed in providing what was perhaps the best ever tangible political settlement.
Emotional responses to the IPKF episode must not affect judgement about the political paradise gained (and now lost ) by the Tamils through India.
The greatest quantum achieved politically by the Sri Lankan Tamils in redressing valid grievances, accommodating legitimate aspirations and restoring negated rights was through the Indo – Lanka accord.
Aborted agreements like the Banda – Chelva or Dudley – Chelva pacts did not succeed. Constitution of 1972 and 1978 failed to deliver.
The District Development Councils of 1981 failed to get off the ground. Besides they were exercises in de – centralisation confined to districts.
The Indo – Lanka accord provided feasible devolution within constraints of the prevailing situation. It was a pragmatic effort to extend the federal idea as was practically possible.
Accord Provisions
The Indo – Lanka accord acknowledged for the first time that “Sri Lanka is a multi ethnic and multi – lingual plural society consisting inter – alia of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims (Moors) and Burghers”.
It recognised that “each ethnic group has a distinct cultural and linguistic identity which has to be carefully nurtured”.
The accord also recognized that “the Northern and Eastern provinces have been areas of historical habitation of the Sri Lankan Tamil speaking peoples, who have at all times hitherto lived in this territory with other ethnic groups”.
It also emphasised “the necessity of strengthening the forces contributing to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, and preserving its character as a multi – ethnic, multi – lingual and multi – religious plural society in which all citizens can live in equality, safety and harmony, and prosper and fulfil their aspirations”.
Among other things the accord provided for the establishment of Provincial Councils. The Province was to be unit of devolution. The North and East were temporarily merged as a single Tamil majority province with a single Provincial Council, chief minister,Governor and board of ministers.
A referendum was to be held in the Eastern province to determine whether the provinces should remain merged or be de- merged.
Sinhala, Tamil and English were to be official languages of Sri Lanka. The sixteenth amendment to the Constitution enshrined Tamil as an official language on par with Sinhala. The injustice of 1956 was remedied. Likewise the 13th amendment paved the way for Provincial Councils to be established.
Thus the accord accomplished and laid the groundwork for many praise worthy feats. It achieved a compromise between the concepts of Sinhala – dominated mono state and the Tamil separate state.
Sri Lanka was not the exclusive preserve of any ethnic, linguistic or religious group. . It was a multi – ethnic, multi – lingual, multi – religious country with a plural society.
The North – East was not recognized as the “traditional Tamil homeland” but as an area of historic habitation of the Tamil speaking people (Tamils and Muslims). This however was not an exclusive right.
It was acknowledged that the “Tamil – speakers” had lived in this territory at all times with other ethnic groups.
The temporary merger was a great boon as far as the Tamils were concerned. The referendum provided an opportunity to make or break the merger .
It was entirely possible that the merger could become permanent if an overwhelming number of Eastern Tamils and a sizable number of Muslims voted in favour.
Tamil as an official language was excellent in principle. Practically it involved a set of procedures to be evolved and the necessary facilities being set up.
India was keen on helping out in language implementation just as it was enthusiastic about constructing a coastal highway linking North and East.
Irrational Opposition
Given the irrational opposition mounted by the SLFP and JVP it was feared that any Constitutional amendment requiring an Island – wide referendum would not be ratified.
Thus the powers and composition of the envisaged Provincial Councils through the 13th amendment were somewhat restricted. The Supreme Court allowed it without a referendum because of this.
Even then the nine Judge bench was divided five to four. Interestingly three of the Judges voting in favour were from the Tamil, Muslim and Burgher ethnicities. All four opposing were Sinhala.
New Delhi however extracted a promise in writing from JR that he would devolve more powers to the PC’s within a specific time frame.But events took a different turn.
The Indo – Lanka accord was not perfect. It did not rectify all problems concerning Tamils. But it provided a good and great beginning.
The power equation of that time saw the Sri Lankan Tamils enjoying “favourite” status in New Delhi. This was of great advantage. With Indian support the Tamils could have resolved much of the problems within a united Sri Lanka where the North – East would have been an autonomous region.
Armed Confrontation
A tiny nation like the Sri Lankan Tamils could gain politically by modifying their aspirations within parameters set by India. These parameters themselves could have been extended to the advantage of Tamils over the years.
A pragmatic approach by the Tamils required greater co-operation with both New Delhi and Colombo. Extra -ordinary statemanship consisting of intricate balancing acts was necessary.
But the LTTE chose to confront India instead of compromising and co-operating. The armed confrontation saw the Tamils being perceived as enemies of India and vice – versa.
[Thileepan began a fast-unto-death on 15 August 1987]
Tragically, for the Tamils, their so – called leaders “blew it” to use an expression by Hardeep Singh Puri, former Indian political secretary in Colombo.
Once the LTTE went back on its pledge to Rajiv Gandhi , the first cracks began to appear. The LTTE began mobilising Tamil opinion against the accord and India.
This exercise was duplicated to some extent among the Sinhala people by the SLFP and JVP. Then came the Kumarappa – Pulenthiran episode.
Lalith Athulathmudali knew the LTTE mindset and manipulated it accordingly. The tigers took on the Indians.
[Lalith Athulathmudali]
The accord made it conditional that the Tamil militants would be disarmed.Earlier Indian High Commissioner had announced that the LTTE had surrendered 85% of its heavy weapons and 65% of small arms.
But now the LTTE was fighting the Indian army itself. Against this backdrop Colombo began backtracking on its commitments. India found itself caught in the middle.
N-E Provincial Council
If meaningful devolution was to be made a reality to the North – East and the temporary merger validated the Provincial Council had to be set up. New Delhi was further let down by the unwillingness of the TULF to contest PC elections.
Thus India was compelled to make a painful decision comprising two blunders. One was to under- estimate the LTTE. The other was to over – estimate the EPRLF.
The N – E provincial council was a farce. There was no contest in the north and a combined EPRLF – ENDLF list was returned.
In the East there was an appearance of elections. Ethnic rivalry was stimulated and exploited.
The EPRLF – ENDLF list catered to Tamils while the Muslim Congress and UNP catered to Muslim and Sinhala voters respectively. Apart from electoral malpractices voter mobilisation was on ethnic lines.
The EPRLF complicated matters further when its immensely popular secretary – General Padmanabha refused to assume office. He wanted his deputy Suresh Premachandran to take over.
[J.N. Dixit]
But Annamalai Varatharajapperumal curried favour with Dixit and got himself appointed as chief minister. Varathan was a Jaffna resident but his father was an Indian Tamil. He exploited this “card” with India.
Initially, Dayan Jayatilleke was also a N- E provincial minister representing the Sinhalese. But he resigned soon afterwards.
His replacement was Joe Seneivaratne who was in reality George of Malayalee origin.
The Muslim minister Abu Yusoof was also of Indian Muslim extraction.
Thus three of the four Provincial ministers including the CM were of Indian lineage.
This was a colossal blunder as both Sinhalese and Sri Lankan Tamils became suspicious and hostile.
Then came the march of folly by the EPRLF and LTTE.
The EPRLF administration of Varatharajapperumal began to confront and estrange itself from the Central Government in Colombo.
Like the mythical serpent around Lord Shiva’s neck taunting the “Karudan” (kite) Perumal irritated Premadasa. Instead of establishing rapport with Premadasa he alienated Colombo.
Meanwhile the LTTE began targeting the provincial administration and council. Through a violent campaign the tigers made sure that the PC would not work.
Thus the North – Eastern council found itself unable to deliver with Colombo stifling it on the one hand and the LTTE undermining it on the other.
The violence unleashed by EPRLF elements against civilians suspected of supporting the LTTE and its conscription estranged Perumal’s administration from the Tamil people.
Perumal’s puppet regime was fast becoming a dud. Now the unexpected happened.
Defunct N-E Council
In what was perhaps the first major instance of the LTTE betraying the Tamil cause for its parochial interests, the tigers struck a deal with Premadasa. The Colombo Govt called for the IPKF’s withdrawal.
[R. Premadasa]
The LTTE then encouraged Premadasa to dissolve the N – E council while massacring the civilian volunteer force raised as the “Tamil National Army” by the N- E administration.
Varatharajapperumal played into Premadasa’s hands by his foolish proclamation of declaring intent to establish Tamil Eelam. As the council was dissolved Perumal fled the Country. He remains now in India as a highly protected person.
Within three months of the Indian army leaving Sri Lanka war broke out between the GOSL forces and LTTE.
The LTTE demonstrated that it was capable of destroying the North – Eastern provincial council for its own selfish interest and power.
Its latest betrayal was the enforced boycott of the Presidential elections after striking a sordid bargain with Rajapakse.
Thus the “Sinhala dominated” Government of Ranasinghe Premadasa negated the single – biggest gain of the Indo – Lanka accord. That the LTTE contributed wittingly and the EPRLF unwittingly to the dismantling of the North – Eastern provincial council is a severe indictment of Sri Lankan Tamil political integrity and sagacity.
The N- E provincial council became defunct and remained so for many years. Ironically the PC’s functioned in the other seven provinces.
The SLFP and JVP who opposed and boycotted these councils changed their minds and contested them. There are SLFP chief ministers, ministers and councillors. There are JVP councillors too.
But there is no PC in the N – E. where provincial councils were deemed necessary to share power with Tamils.
Despite the council being defunct , the unified North – East administration remained functional for years.
The Eastern referendum was postponed from time to time by Presidential decree.
There were some Tamils who thought that revival of the N- E , PC would be an effective fall – back position if and when other efforts to reach a political a settlement failed.
Administrative De-Merger
But such hopes are turning into dupes now. The Supreme Court ruled that the merger itself was not done legally. It did not rule out such a merger being validated through appropriate procedures.
But the Rajapakse regime seized on that ruling and is hell bent on altering the prevailing status quo.
Both provinces are now de – linked administratively. The North and East function separately. The GOSL is also aiming to transform the demographic pattern of the Eastern province.
It is likely that elections to an Eastern provincial council would be held soon. The de – merger could be made legally permanent through an engineered referendum.
If that happens the single biggest gain to the Tamils through the Indo – Lanka accord could be lost forever.
But realistically the merger at best was tenuous. Yet a determined effort may have brought it about democratically at a referendum if Tamil – Muslim co-operation was there
The LTTE lost the East politically when it alienated the Muslims.
It lost the East militarily when it failed to contain the eastern revolt led by “Col” Karuna.
What the Rajapakse regime is doing now is merely delivering the “coup de grace” to existential reality.
Gains Threatened
Apart from the unified North – Eastern province, other benefits derived from the Indo – Lanka accord are also under threat.
The Rajapakse regime is for a unitary state and for districts. villages as units of devolution. This is a reversal of the basic pluralistic elements of the accord.
Also in practice , the notion of Sri Lanka being “multi” ethnic, religious and lingual is under severe challenge. Inspired by the supremacist ideology of the Hela Urumaya the Rajapakse regime wishes to ensure “Sinhala”, “Buddhism” and the “Sinhalese” as the dominant entities of Sri Lanka.
The concept of the North – East being areas of historical habitation by the Tamil speaking people is also under threat. Recent official activity concerning the East was in Sinhala alone despite 75% of the province being Tamil speaking. Schemes are underway to alter the demographic structure through colonisation.
Tamil as an official language remains simply as a paper guarantee. Successive regimes have not shown any interest in implementing Tamil as an official language. The Rajapakse regime has pruned drastically the funds allocated in this respect.
Thus we see that all gains of the Indo – Lanka accord are being reduced , removed and reversed even irredeemably.
India was the guarantor of the accord. Once India was edged out physically and politically the accord was doomed.
The desire of Sinhala dominated governments to sabotage an accord thrust upon Colombo is understandable. What cannot be forgiven is the LTTE’s conduct in helping Sinhala regimes to do so.
The Indo – Lanka accord is becoming increasingly irrelevant both in letter and spirit. The constructive gains are becoming irredeemably lost.
New Delhi Policy
There seems no chance of salvaging any of these uless New Delhi re – activates its interest again. Given current realities such a change seems highly unlikely.
The LTTE conflict and resultant estrangement with the Sri Lankan Tamils has shown India that the Tamils cannot be taken for granted as a perpetual ally. The genuine sympathy and natural empathy for Sri Lankan Tamils that existed within the Indian power structures earlier has eroded greatly.
The Tamil Nadu factor is no more a compulsion. LTTE’s acts of violence and the Rajiv Gandhi assassination has changed Tamil Nadu perceptions. The chief Political party’s like the DMK, ADMK or Congress are not vying with each other to help the Sri Lankan Tamil cause. The Lankan Tamil issue is now an embarassment.
There is a new dispensation in New Delhi. Sonia Gandhi is the power behind the throne of Manmohan Singh. Even if there is some concern about Sri Lankan Tamils nothing concrete is likely to be done because of the LTTE.
As long as the LTTE under Prabakharan’s leadership remains in a position of self – imposed leadership there is very little that India would or can do. This is true of the International community too. The LTTE depicted as the Tamil nation’s military asset by tiger supporters is being perceived as a political liability of the community by India and other countries.
More importantly relations between Colombo and New Delhi are much improved. After developments like the Free trade agreement the Sri Lankan economy is becoming more integrated with India. Indian investment is on the rise in Sri Lanka. India would not want to jeopardise this situation by leaning too much towards the Tamils represented by the LTTE.
There is also greater awareness of Sinhala and Muslim sensibilities and sensitivity. It is understood that matters cannot be resolved through a Tamil perspective alone. While India would like a political settlement recognizing Tamil rights it realises that such a settlement requires widespread multi – ethnic acceptance.
Hence the current emphasis on settlements acceptable to all sections of the people.
There is also concern about Countries like China and Pakistan gaining more clout with Sri Lanka. India would not like a situation like that of Myanmar where China got closer to the military junta while New Delhi irritated Burmese rulers by stressing on restoration of democracy.
Thus we see people like national security adviser K. Narayanan “warning” Colombo about modes of purchasing arms. India promises to supply all needs. Overtly New Delhi says it will not supply “offensive” arms but only will provide “defensive” equipment.
But there is a very, thin line dividing offensive and defensive. What seems likely is covert help and assistance to Sri Lanka. Already there is transfer of intelligence and naval co-operation. These are in accordance with the Indo – Lanka accord. New Delhi is also concerned about the LTTE’s air capability.
Presently,India will not touch the LTTE with a barge – pole. It is wary of helping the Tamils because it fears that would indirectly strengthen the tigers. As long as the tigers remain the dominant entity among Tamils, New Delhi will tread carefully and slowly.
This attitude towards the LTTE also deprives India of an indirect “cutting edge” vis a vis Sri Lanka. In the eighties New Delhi utilised Tamil militancy to pressure Colombo. Now it does not have such an option. Besides New Delhi is not likely to pursue such a “schizoid” policy again.
Limited Options
Against this backdrop India’s policy options are limited. In a nutshell Indian policy towards Sri Lanka seems to be this.
Eonomic, cultural and social cooperation is encouraged. Indian investment and sales are enhanced. Tourism increases. Cultural links are enlarged. Indian economic clout increases and Sri Lanka becomes economically inteegrated with the giant neighbour.
Militarilt India shares concerns about the LTTE. So intelligence is shared and naval co-operation is co-ordinated. Defensive equipment is supplied overtly. Training is given openly.Covert military assistance is likely to be provided.
India is not “requesting” Colombo to call the war against the LTTE. All that it stresses is that civilians should not be victimised. But New Delhi has remained quiet throughout the recent Eastern upheavals where Tamil civilians were penalised.India was also silent when Tamils were expelled from Colombo recently.
Politically India wants Colombo to continue a parallel political process. It wants the All Party Representative Committee to come up with an acceptable solution. India has been engaged in “gentle persuasion” on that count.
In this situation a pro – Tamil swing like what happened in 1987 seems improbable unless a few things happen. One is rising xenophobic tendencies in the “Sinhala” south and violent hostility towards Indian “expansionism”. Two a genocidal pogrom being unleashed against the Tamils. Three a total demolition of the LTTE and unrestricted ascendancy of Sinhala hegemonic chauvinism. Four the prospect of Colombo aligning itself completely with powers deemed hostile to India and possible intrusion into Sri Lanka.
If these things happen there could be a shift in Indian policy. There is also the unlikely chance of the LTTE defeating the Sri Lankan security forces and declaring Tamil Eelam unilaterally. Then India would intervene decisively but on the side of Colombo.
So India would for the moment remain a concerned and well – informed spectator of events in Sri Lanka. The de- construction of accord related achievements will certainly cause concern but not too much worry. Besides I think New Delhi had revised its stance on the North – East merger much earlier.
. India will be pro – merger only if the Muslims also want it. Now after the Karuna revolt even Eastern Tamils are divided on the issue. The military re- conquest of the East adds a further dimension.Therefore I see no reason for India to “intervene” on behalf of Northern Tamils and re- impose the merger. But chauvinist attempts to colonise the east and alter demography will cause concern.
Salvaging Accord
Tamil voices mainly from the North and abroad are loudly urging India to intervene and prevent the undoing of gains accrued to Tamils through the accord. Now it is grudgingly accepted that the accord did benefit the Tamils. Earlier there was no overt recognition of this fact or gratitude expressed to India. The Tamils apart from a few notable exceptions did not deviate openly from the LTTE line vis a vis India.
The Tamils clamouring for India to salvage the accord have forgotten a salient fact. Once the LTTE dishonoured its commitment , refused to disarm and fought the Indian army, New Delhi’s obligation to Colombo also failed.
The Sri Lankan government is well within its rights to insist that the LTTE be disarmed as a pre – requisite to implementing Tamil friendly provisions of the accord. There are two sides to the accord “coin”.
Those who demand that India should prevent the dismemberment of gains made through the accord must also demand that the LTTE abide by provisions of the accord first. If the latter demand is impossible then the former too is not possible.
The accord despite its positive attributes seems destined for oblivion. Paradise gained is now becoming paradise lost.
[Statue of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, in Nallur, Jaffna: Photo by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai]
As the Thamizh bard Subramaniya Bharathi sang “a well – fashioned musical instrument thrown in the dust is decaying!”
DBS Jeyaraj can be contacted on: djeyaraj@federalidea.com
Related: Remembering Rajiv on Fifteenth Death Anniversary – by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Dr KC said,
August 10, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
Resurrection of the Indo-Lanka Accord is the only viable option to resuscitate the dying nation of Sri Lanka.
Khannan Ratnam said,
August 10, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
It is very well written, I hope so, but old car with new engine. Whatever, stated here, well known by all people. We did not find anything intresting or useful. No body give us good useful Veenai and we did not throw anything that was useful. It is all happen, because of Indian intrest in Srilanka. At that time they had a chance to use innocent Tamils problem as their tools. Now, people like you barking and advising us, we lost the good Veenai and wasted it and blaming our sole representive LTTE . Who are you to tell LTTE is Mr. Wrong and they spoiled the Indian soup?
ratna said,
August 10, 2007 @ 8:56 pm
IndoLanka accord would have failed anyway, if not by Ltte, other parties like JVP, Eprlf, Premadasa would have killed it. If India was genuine they would have stayed longer until things settled down. But VP Singh decided to kill it.
Now India is taking over Lanka economically. In the long run this is good for Lanka. Ltte maybe there for another 10 to 20 years, by then south Lanka will be under Indian economy. Then north and east will have to do some catch up and with tamilnadu connection i will be faster than we expect.
wassa said,
August 10, 2007 @ 10:59 pm
Why still many Tamils finance LTTE if they want peace?
Nadesan said,
August 10, 2007 @ 11:04 pm
I do agree with DBS word to word.
As Sri Lankan Tamils ,We will pay blunders of Prabakaran company.
Kurudan 1 said,
August 10, 2007 @ 11:18 pm
VP accepted the Indo-Srilanka accord just to get out of Delhi alive. He said yes to rajeev and dixit to go back to jaffna.( VP is a fan of Clint east wood movies ).
If tamil eelam liberation fighters like LTTE, EPRLF, PLOTE, EROS and TELO going to accept what was given why the heck they start their armed struggle for the separate tamil state. TULF can do any thing they were politicians they can talk one thing on the stage do something off stage. But our boys have no right to abandon their mission, moreover they have no right to ask anyone to abandon the mission.
we the tamil people now why indians liked the srilankan tamils. Indians used our tamil-sinhala problem for their advantage. VP removed the mask the indians were wearing. Now we all know what india things about the tamil-sinhala problem.
No matter what you say who ever walk away from the tamil homeland concept, abandon tamil eelam are out of business. Ex Freedom fighters are still licking the wounds now, the biggest mistake they made was abandoning Tamil Ealam. At that moment they became low class politicians. VP may not be right but he sticks to the original mission.
BH said,
August 11, 2007 @ 12:41 am
This is one of the best article I have seen lately. I think this supposed to be eye opener for Tamil, Sinhalese or Indian or Musilims. Specially for LTTE . At the end we the Srilakan are the best . LTTE and Tamils read my lips.
We are the best.
Please giveup vilolence and save our Srilanka.
I still hate Srilankan politicians, they are crooks, we all need to make them puppets and make our country ready fro the future generation.
rk said,
August 11, 2007 @ 1:22 am
Reference should be made to report prepared by Regis Debray to be presented to Jack Chirac and published in the French Journal the Le’Monde Diplomatique – English version August 2007. In the same way Palestinians are gradually being genocided so will the Tamils of Lka.How it will be done is well illustrated.
Some observations
I was amazed to ’see’ on TV left over Indians in Uganda as Big Dada Idi Amin fled his Nation two decades ago.
It took 100 days for the Hutus to slaughter 800 thousand or so Tutsi-even with UN presence. The IC stood by.
It will again.That includes India
The Indians blundered. Not the first regional power to do so. Now that there are no more Five Year plans and instead hard-headed Indian Business Corporations rule Lka Tamils would lose anyway with or without the Ltte.
I asked several South-American Spanish refugees fleeing persecution and slaughterin the 90′ why it always seems that the cycle cannot be broken. They replied they liked their ‘Caudillos’.
Looks like they are not the only group of victims who like to have ‘Caudillos’
SSS said,
August 11, 2007 @ 2:13 am
Dear DBS,
It is a very good article, well analysed and presented. I have recently asked you to write an article on whether LTTE is an asset or liability to Tamils. You have now kindly granted my request in this ariticle, many thanks. Basically, you have now confirmed what I have always thought of them, a big liability. However, I can not stop feeling like a traditional wife of a drankard husbannd, meaning, yes a big liability but don’t want to (even if you can) get rid of him, afterall he is my husband!!
Anyway, what I can also forsee now is LTTE will perform another trick very soon and our community will forget about all the past, again, and get back into it’s dreaming mode until LTTE loose some more territory! Aren’t we sick and tired of this, folks? Why don’t we, all tamils,make a super deal with “Thesiath thalaivar”, ask him to retire and leave us alone?? If he feels that this is too early for him to stop working, perhaps he could work for you, DBS, so that you can write even better articles with more authensity, afterall facts will then be coming out of horses’s mouth
Surya said,
August 11, 2007 @ 6:16 am
As a freethinking Tamil lived and experienced the whole Indo- Lanka peace accord time in Sri Lanka, feel sad to see that we miss the only oppoturnity in our miserable ethnic conflict period. Most of free and fair thinking people achknowledges that the best solution happened to Sri Lankan conflict was this accord. Because of only one man’s selfishness and wanted to be elusive leader of SL Tamils made whole Indo-Lanka accord meaningless. He took the whole future of Sri lankan Tamils to dark ages. If any SL Tamil thinks they have done something remarkeble by throwing out Indian peace keeping forces and joint hands with Singalese chavunist leaders to undermine Indo-SL accord is taking part a great betrayal to our children.
If we would have allowed that time India to determine our future I hardly believe things would gone worse than today. I also believe that most Singalese would be agreed by this Accord if they see the good results of it. SL Tamils best safety net and brighter future was indian assuranse to our
existence.
I feel shame as a SL tamil that we challenged India and join hands with the same singhalese chavunist leaders whom wants to evict Sri lankan Tamils from it soil. The only thing we can hope for now that India ever come back to our country to try to make same kind of deal as before. Otherwise I could see the future of SL Tamils doomed to be darker than ever.
Thiyagu said,
August 11, 2007 @ 9:12 am
I will never ever will forget/forgive the indian militry who killed many of my relatives.
Rajiv only cared about cold war politics and he wanted indian army to be in the island. they did not care anything about Tamils.
Tamil ppl know how to fight our own battles
we don’t needd to suckup to anyone
wassa said,
August 11, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Everybody in Sri lanka has to take the responsiblity for the present problem.Everybody knows how corrupted Singahlese as well as Tamil leaders.LTTE did not lay arms as they promised but ended up with killing Rajiv.
Today while the war is going on brothers kill each other while politicians of the Govt,opposition(more than 20 years they were in power as well)and LTTE leadres like parasites suck the blood of innocent people.They have all the luxuries of the world while people in North live with fear as well as people of South do not know whether their son who went to war just to help the family financially because of poverty will ever return home.
This is the sad truth.Working people in Colombo go to work everyday thinking that their will be a bomb at any time any where at the capital.
Sadly international organizations try to catch fish in muddy waters and try to convert people from Hinduism,Buddhism and Islam to Christianity.
Brothers now it is time to open your eyes and reject the leaders and force everybody to lay the arms and stop killing.
Theepan said,
August 11, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
Well done DBS. This story should be translated in Tamil.
Please elaborate how LTTE become IPKF’s enemy. Who started and how they started fighting each other?
We can understand JR made them fight and Premadasa made LTTE to kill Amirthalingam. LTTE should apologies to Amirthalingam’s family and Tamil people for assassinating Amir. LTTE never give proper reason as to why they assassinated Amir. Anton knew that if Amir is alive, International community would not talk to LTTE.
If LTTE agreed with Indo-Lanka agreement, Tamils would have had equal rights and peace by now. Why we are asking Tamil Ellam? Because as per Prabhakaran we were not treated equal with respect. If we can achieve by Indo-Lanka accord then LTTE should have accepted the accord. That was a big mistake by LTTE. LTTE should be held responsible for the loss of Tamil civilians and LTTE fighter who are Tamils as well. Another reason LTTE did not accept the accord because they do not want to share the power among Tamils’ other movement. We understand our other movements like EPRLF and others are not the people’s choice thus those movements did not respect Tamils and behave bad. But after accepting the Accord, LTTE could have eliminated other movements via democratic means.
Now we are paying for it.
At least those who live outside of Srilanka should bring out Tamils problems and difficulties instead of justifying LTTE’s actions.
LTTE will defend themselves. We as Tamils Diaspora need not defend LTTE. What we have to do is, bring out Tamils grievance to the international community.
rk said,
August 11, 2007 @ 4:50 pm
Basically we got a ‘written’ agreement. Just like Imf and World Bank written agreements. And Accord such as those that let in the Dutch to kick out the Portuguese etc etc. Such accords will not work. Especially written under duress.
I cannot blame VP for a) being single-mindedly goal oriented b) using every trick in the book to survive and fight another day.
Thillai. Sivenesan said,
August 11, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
Khannan Ratnam
Stop growling like a tiger and try to make threat to DBS Jeyaraj for writing truthful article about how LTTE spoilt Tamil future by fighting with India.
You or anyone alse have not any right to ask DBSJ or anyone what right they have to say LTTE is wrong or to advise them for good future of Tamil people.
If you dont like it dont read it. But dont try to threat people and make them fear.
Thillai. Sivenesan said,
August 11, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Thiyagu
I very sorry that IPKF killed many of your relations. That happened to me also
But in my case not only IPKF but Singala army, LTTE and EPDP also killed my relations.
But like DBSJ wrote it was LTTE who made mistake by fighting Indian army
It is time to forgive and forget and make frends with India for Tamil people to get out of problems
Thillai. Sivenesan said,
August 11, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
kurudan
If you are saying VP agreement to accord was to escape from India personally then I say that VP is coward , liar, fraud and selfish. Look the mess the Tamils are now in because of VP.
Markham said,
August 11, 2007 @ 8:32 pm
As I mentioned earlier D.B.S should have sent the translation of the Indian Accord to the man who his behind the blood of the Tamils living ib hibernation in the jungles of Vanni having all the luxuries with a whole bunch of un educated people like Thamilselvan whos ideal for an
advertisemrnt for toothpaste.He can make more money if he can seek asylum in a western country where he can earn out of advertisement.With people with such caliber where is the Tamil nation going to prosper.
I hope and pray that the children of Wanni and in North will have a opening very soon out of this arrogant croud.
Dr.Jeya Kathir said,
August 11, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
The article by D.B.Jeyaraj was very good attempt to describe the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord signed by two sovereign countries.
The author brings out the ?duplicity of India? vis a vis Sri Lanka, in entering into an accord with Sri Lanka. The author does not fail to show his animosity towards India for the lack of genuine motive for the accord.
Some of the decisive conclusions drawn by the author are based on the hypothetical conditions.
The author makes ?post factum? conclusions and hence not all of them are valid.
On the whole, the author tells that Colombo and Delhi will not deliver the good to the Sri Lankan Tamils.
Walter Rajaratne said,
August 11, 2007 @ 9:15 pm
DBS
Under the so called Sinhala Chauvinist regimes the Tamils enjoyed freedom to live and work as they like par with other communities.
Asking -fighting- for what they not rightfully entitled to drag them to the point of extinction.
UN may one day declare SL Tamils an endangered spieces. The only way we could resurrect our Tamil brother.
Good Luck
Siva said,
August 11, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
First mistake by EPRLF was accepting the positions.That was their downfall.Even LTTE accpet the PC.VP singh would have withdrew IPKF. All Back to Zero. Therefore no point writing history. We all should focus for peace. Any Sri-lankan government is not interested in Tamils Develoution or their rights to live.We tamils have the pride. Therefore we should unite worlwide.
Sundaram said,
August 11, 2007 @ 10:40 pm
DBS,
Very good artcle!
I request to consider compiling all the articles in your web and publish as a book. (with the comments from the readers as well)
Thank you for your service to our community.
Kannan Saravanan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 2:36 am
Dear D. B. S. Jeyaraj,
First of all, I thank you for writing a well-versed, detail-oriented article soaked in mere facts chronically.
So many incidents relating to ‘Tamil Cause’ would have unfolded differently if they had not been which they are now.
Past is past.
As many of us I know personally do, I also support our ‘Freedom Fighters’ for their bravery, fortitude and sacrifices. As many of us feel, I don’t have any other alternative? They are the defenders. We can’t live with Sinhalese in harmony.
Once a buddhist monk crowed in Colombo that five lakhs of coffins will be sent to Jaffna if one’s [Sinhalese] attacked in Colombo. This is a simple barometer to measure the Sinhala, Buddhist chauvinism cum hegemony. Can the Tamils live with them in solidarity?
Mahinda is not for peace. He boasted few weeks ago that the Tigers had been defeated & evicted from Thoppikala.
Recent incidents unfolding in the East witness the facts that Mahinda & Co. never tell the truth as their predecessors.
Mahinda & Co. might come up with totally different story soon that ‘The Tigers had already been defeated as we said before, but, there are Panthers, Leopards, Pumas and Jaguars’. This very phrase is a tribute to Mr. K. Rambukwella as he may be in dire need of proper phrase to depict the so-called truth prevailing in the East in the near future.
Sri Lanka is indifferent to the fate of a large segment of her populace – the poor and the minorities. By thus undermining her stability and unity, she is imperilling her own future.
May The Almighty Bless the Tamils!
Kannan Saravanan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 2:58 am
Dear D. B. S. Jeyaraj,
As Mr. Sundaram requested, please consider about compiling all your articles that you wrote both in English & Tamil [ from the periods of ' Veerakesari ', ' Saturday Review ', ' The Island ', ' Sunday Leader ', ' The Morning Leader ', ' The Hindu ', ' Frontline ', ' Senthamarai ', ' Muncharie ', and ' transcurrents.com ' ] as two books in Tamil & English respectively.
There is no denying that you are one of the few gifted writer cum journalist in our Eelam Tamil Community.
May The Almighty Bless You!
Vel said,
August 12, 2007 @ 4:29 am
Simple question. Can Tamils get any tangible solution without LTTE? Let the moderate Tamil folks to show what they can get from Sri Lankan state.
tamilachchi said,
August 12, 2007 @ 5:45 am
perhaps DBS could elaborate a bit more on why would varatharajaperumal the Indian puppet would declare UDI?
Dyan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 7:18 am
Being a sinhalease, I feel that the Tamils can be easily divided into groups by writing an article. The commentators show that they do not care about the community. They only care about their personal anger and self interset.
There is no way that the writer or the commentators bring peace to the people.
Long live Sri Lankan Tamils. Ha Ha Ha
ilaya seran senguttuvan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 7:23 am
The essence of objective journalism is not to always publish praise from the public – most of whom, usually, are unaware of the many sides of particular stories. You should also develop the strength to publish critical comments and contradictions pointed out in your own pieces.
P.Nathan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Successive sinhala majority governments exploited the greed and desire of those tamils who yearned for position, power and perks in and out of parliament.
This was the main reason why tamils lost their equality, prosperity and even their lives, more than any other.
Even now, this goes on.
Thamilan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 9:53 am
Walter Rajaratne,
You might want to rethink all you said. Rightfully ours is Illankai, which is not yours to begin with. Endangered spices are you, that is why you are fighting for your survival and we are fighting to live in dignity.
Choose your words carefully next time.
Let’s say that you happen to win this war and do make the Tamils extinct on that island. You will ignite Tamil Nadu and will separate from the Federation of India for not protecting the interest of the Tamil Nations. What’s after that? It will be easy for Tamil Nadu to claim the island as a rebel province and threaten to invade if it does not recognize the government of Tamil Nadu as the legitimate rulers. You think the Sinhalese have the guts to go against 70 Million Tamils, get real; you can’t even stand up to 3.5 million.
Sinhalese might want to reconsider their option because this war is far away from being won my force.
Kurudan 2 said,
August 12, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
Dear Thillai Sivanesan,
When son of Indira, grand son of Nehru put VP and his buddies in a hotel room asked to say , yes to an agreement which would decide the future of Srilankan tamils, what do you want the VP to say? .
Initially, VP said NO to the agreement, Rajeev asked VP ok you do not have to SUPPORT the agreement but please do not OPPOSE it. VP understood the situation and LIED to Dixit and Rajeev. VP played FRAUD on the Rajeev who took the tamil cause to his country’s advantage and abandoned tamil people.
VP is not coward, he took the challenge decided to fight back the India and her sidekicks.
COWARDS are the one who came behind the IPKF and returned to India when the IPKF left.
If there is a point, where you have to choose between the Indian interests and Tamil interest, I will always choose the Tamil interest. I think VP made the right decision by opposing the agreement, it is self evidence to day he made the right decision then. We can not trust India.
tham said,
August 12, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Significant sacrifice is necessary evil for tamils to have lasting solution.
DBS always make judgement on sort-term results, and fail to get full picture of VP’s long-term strategy
india will always put its interest first, until it fear a serious instability in tamil nadu
Agreement on papers has no meaning unless there is a balance of power
Tamil can never have lasting peaceful life with diginity depending on third-party military support
Thanabal said,
August 12, 2007 @ 2:32 pm
We never gained PARADISE to be lost. What we saw was an eclipse (not lunar but solar)
Khannan Ratnam said,
August 12, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
Mr. Thillai Sivenesan, Media has all kind of freedom to express their views. However, as a reader I have rights to response for it. I do not threat any of media men. I love them.. D.B Jeyaraj, is a good writter, I have no comments on that. However, I do understand where he is leading us.
Gloria Abraham said,
August 12, 2007 @ 11:23 am
Your article brought back bad memories Mr. Jeyaraj. We were in Jaffna on Oct 10th when war started with India and tigers. How we suffered. Tigers attacked and ran leaving people to face Indian army. What a sad story!
Bala said,
August 12, 2007 @ 11:57 am
DBSJ , if you had written this artical 10 years ago I could not have been in agreement with you. But now I support your view in full. LTTE has made things bad for Tamils. What a big mistake to fight with India and Rajiv Ghanthi.
Carlo Kovoor said,
August 12, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
We are all wiser after the event. I recall your writings of 1987 exposing the Indian army and the troubles you underwent including deiention and loss of livelihood as Hindu correspondent for Sri Lanka. But you will always have the respect and admiration of your peers and reading public for your courage and adherence to truth. Please keep it up!
Mrinalini said,
August 12, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
Very good article by Mr. DBS. He sums up reality well. My poor Tamil people!
Gemunu Abey said,
August 12, 2007 @ 1:35 am
What are you saying Mr. Jeyaraj? Are you saying that LTTE should have played along with India and eventually created Tamil Eelam through the N – E provincial council? I am confused.
Preethi said,
August 12, 2007 @ 1:49 am
Good show DBS! you’ve hit the nail on the head. Wonder whether tiger fellows can understand?
Sharmila Chatterjee said,
August 12, 2007 @ 2:35 am
I read Mr. DBS Jeyaraj regularly on Frontline and Himal. This is first time I got to see the federal idea. I’ve always enjoyed his knowledgeable insight on Indo – Laka affairs. This article was simply superb.
Shankar said,
August 12, 2007 @ 3:10 am
DBS Annai
what lot of us think U are riting. this is truth. be careful. god look after U. thanks
Preman said,
August 12, 2007 @ 3:29 am
Wonderful article DBS.
E.M. S. Menon said,
August 12, 2007 @ 3:53 am
Very well crafted piece Mr. Jeyaraj! This was the best of all articles written on 20th anniversary of accord. I hope this will be published in India too.
Thillai. T. Thillaiambalam said,
August 12, 2007 @ 4:19 am
Poets express beautifully what many of us feel but cannot say. Mr. DBS Jeyaraj has expressed what most of us feel and think about the LTTE , the accord and present pkight of Tamils. Very good. This must be written in Tamil also
Vipula said,
August 12, 2007 @ 4:40 am
Mr. Jeyaraj has analysed LTTE approach mistake very deeply. If LTTE played cards properly today N- e may be seperete state. As a Sinhalaya who supports Tamil rights but wants one unity Sri Lanka I am happy LTTE acted foolish.
Malini said,
August 12, 2007 @ 4:51 am
Very fine article. What we Tamils afraid to tell openly about LTTE you are telling openly. Thanks to you
Sasi said,
August 12, 2007 @ 5:13 am
DBS write is lots of truths but I unable to acsept evrything now abut ltte becase mahintha govermant very bad to tamils. so we must suport ltte to fightt mahintha govermant.
Karan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 5:29 am
Can Pawan break the palmyra? I remember that article DBS in the Island paper. You fight with India then for Tamils sake. Please be with Tamils. Be on LTTE side. Tamils need you badly.
Guna. N. Gunaratnam said,
August 12, 2007 @ 5:50 am
Mr. Jeyaraj is logical analysis as usual. But this is not time to find fault with LTTE because Tamils in lot of trouble. Mr. Jeyaraj must advise LTTE to go on the correct path.
Rohini said,
August 12, 2007 @ 6:21 am
Not only Vipula but I also happy LTTE made mistake with India. Otherwise our “pembara lanka” will be two country now. But Tamil people must be having rights given
Pothey Gura said,
August 12, 2007 @ 6:39 am
Mr. DBS gives lucid account of what might have been but for LTTE “colossal stupidity”. Thanks be to Devas the LTTE has leader like Prabakaran who only knows to fight and kill and never to be diplomatic. Thanks be to Devas that we had leaders like JR and Preme to lead Sri Lanka out of bull mess and save Lanka from India.
Dalreen Labrooy said,
August 12, 2007 @ 7:02 am
Excellent article dear DBS. Enjoyed it much. Made me think too. I agree with you.
Ram. Somes said,
August 12, 2007 @ 7:35 am
Jeyaraj, I agree with you that the LTTE has messed up things with India. But as a fellow Tamil I ask you dont give up on LTTE now. As you have in so many articles told clearly Mahinda Govt is bad for Tamils. So we must be together. You quote Bharathiyar on “Naalathor Veenai “. Let me also quote ” Thayum than kulanthiyai thallidap pomo”?
V Gopal said,
August 12, 2007 @ 8:10 am
I was with ICRC in Jaffna when the LTTE started the war. LTTE men led by Yogi came to Hotel Subash and threw all Indian nationals out with bag and baggage. How can we forget that? Thank you Mr. Jeyaraj for reminding Tamils that India tried to do good for them.
Nirmala said,
August 12, 2007 @ 8:40 am
Great piece DBS. Will this appear in Frontline also?
Ashok Dadlani said,
August 12, 2007 @ 9:15 am
As an Indian I am glad that one Tamil is telling the truth at last. Mr. DBS Jeyaraj, Thank you very much!
Mithran said,
August 12, 2007 @ 9:19 am
Many of us agree with you DBS. The LTTE has screwed up things. But why are you so harsh on Varathan?He did his best
Maheswaran said,
August 12, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Naan ninaithathai Neengal Eluthiviteergal Jeyaraj. Mikka nandri!
Anand said,
August 12, 2007 @ 10:10 am
Please write about how VP got money from Rajiv and a bullet – proof vest also and then sent Dhanu to kill him
Gunasiri said,
August 12, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Thank you LTTE for fighting with India and saving Mother Lanka!
Arunan Nathan said,
August 12, 2007 @ 10:54 am
What you writing is what many Tamils talk about LTTE now. But no one tell openly becayse they fearful of LTTE. But DBS very brave to tell openly and write openly real truth about LTTE
Vathsala VW said,
August 12, 2007 @ 11:08 am
Wow! Great!! Terrific!!! Absolutely wonderful.!!!! I’ve been waiting for so long to read some Tamil daring to tell the LTTE how they have led Tamils up the gardenpath about India. At last I read one. DBS I am so proud of you
Siva. Selvachandran said,
August 12, 2007 @ 11:18 am
Unmaigal kasakkum. Aanaal unmaiye vellum. Vaalga DBS. Valarha um eluthu. Velha um kolhai.
H. Caldera said,
August 12, 2007 @ 11:33 am
This is a balanced analysis of pre and post Indo – Lanka accord developments. As a Sinhalese I feel that both sides lost a great opportunity to make use of Indian good offices. We are still paying the price
Jamuna Rani said,
August 12, 2007 @ 11:45 am
Mr. Jeyaraj is crying over split milk. As an Indian from Chennai let me tell you India will never intervene on side of Tamils again. We have burnt our fingers. Thank you Mr. Jeyaraj for putting things in perspective but please dont have hopes of mother india coming there again. I appreciate you writing but I am sorry to state the truth bluntly.
Chattambiar said,
August 12, 2007 @ 11:55 am
What has happened has happened. I am proud that Tamils have writers like jeyaraj to write truth without fear or favour. I hope he will write more to enlighten the community groping in dark
Gamini said,
August 12, 2007 @ 8:51 pm
A nice synopsis of the accord,
However looking to the future I tend to think you have overestimated the will of India and underestimated the abilities of the LTTE to derail any such accord that does not begin and end with a separate state.
As the old saying goes once bitten twice shy… As India clamours to join the ranks of the super power states it cannot afford (both domestically and on the world
stage) a another such debacle as happened in Sri Lanka where it returned home tail firmly between legs and in the process had their prime minister brutally assassinated by a group proclaiming to represent the citizenry that they went to help. Further to this the days of India openly pushing for changes to the sovereignty of Sri Lanka by training and supporting separatist movements while steadfastly refusing to do the same in say Kashmir etc are long gone, this type of duplicity will gain no fraction in the current climate.
So while certainly concerned about developments in Sri Lanka (at least superficially to appease certain quarters of the population), India has learned very painfully over the last twenty years that when it comes to the LTTE all bets are off, a tacit agreement one day is torn up the next , I cant see them in any rush to get burned again.
Unfortunately for the people of Sri Lanka a golden opportunity for India to bring about acceptable solution to the problems in Sri Lanka has gone begging and it would not be to harsh to say this occurred due to the self interest of all sides concerned.
Harshana said,
August 13, 2007 @ 2:25 am
Your article provides ample testimony that extremist forces, whether they are Tamil or Sinhalese, can only harm the people they claim that they are fighting for. They are only provoking the untamed racial sentiments living within every human being’s inner soul, to gain power and enjoy impunity. It is unfortunate that even after decades of disaster, there are some people who still support these elements (like LTTE & HelaUrumaya) without realizing that their actions would be counter productive.
It should also be highlighted that extremists in North and South are heavily defendant on each other.
Gamini said,
August 13, 2007 @ 2:42 am
A nice synopsis of the accord,
However I tend to think you have overestimated the will of India and underestimated the abilities of the LTTE to derail any such accord that does not begin and end with a separate state.
As the old saying goes once bitten twice shy? As India clamours to join the ranks of the super power states it cannot afford (both domestically or on the world stage) a another such debacle as happened in Sri Lanka where it returned home tail firmly between legs and in the process had their prime minister brutally assassinated by a group proclaiming to represent the citizenry that they went to help. Further to this the days where India openly push for changes to Sri Lanka s sovereignty, back and train separatist militia whilst steadfastly refusing to budge on similar conflicts at home (in Kashmir etc) are long gone, thankfully this type of duplicity is not tractable in the current climate.
While certainly concerned about developments in Sri Lanka ( at least superficially to appease certain quarters of the population), India has learned very painfully over the last twenty years something that the long suffering people have known for a long time, the LTTE is not to be trusted !
Dr KC said,
August 13, 2007 @ 3:26 am
Dear Jamuna Rani
Your comment gives the impression that Indian foreign policy is dictated by the violence of the LTTE. I am afraid I do not agree with you.
India is the superpower in the region and she should do whatever necessary to safeguard the safety, security and stability of the region. The region can prosper only if these prerequisites are met. The position of being a superpower brings responsibilities with that.
Mahinda regime is on the verge of collapsing in weeks if not months and I have no doubt India will have to play constructive and decisive role to play in the near future.
Ron Jeremy said,
August 13, 2007 @ 4:33 am
As usual blaming LTTE for the tamils problems.. why cannot the sinhalese give the the tamils autonomy..why are the indians responcible for the tamils rights?.. After the LTTE there were no more ethinic riots such as 56, 77,1983 against the tamisl..if not for the LTTE the tamils would have faced a genocide by the sinhalese a long time ago..
ilaya seran senguttuvan said,
August 13, 2007 @ 9:10 am
Nearly 70 participating in this discussion is a high mark in the democratic process and I congratulate you. But do show a greater degree of pluralism by publishing critical comments and other versions of the event. No one has a monopoly on the truth and history. Let the readers learn of different aspects of this vital and crucial matter and form their own opinions. Lest you will commit that aberration of “selective reporting” – an utterly despicable feature in democratic societies such as the one you have chosen to live from that fascistic background in Sri Lanka where the sanctity of truth is desecrated almost daily and with such horrifying impunity.
Sivaji said,
August 13, 2007 @ 9:25 am
Excellent article DBJS! I’m so proud that a Tamil has a capacity to analyse this issue so deeply & openly, whilst many Tamils can’t even realise that we (Tamils) are digging our graveyard by refusing to understand the situation of Tamils in SL, and STILL believe that we can still win the war.
I can’t really understand why a few people are crying out that IPKF killed Tamils – why these people never disclose that LTTE have butchered hundreds of Tamils.
The GOSL are not any better than LTTE-they never genuinely want to give rights to Tamils. With the captured villages in Trincomalee district, they are replacing the name of Tamil villages with the Sinhala names. Until the GOSL come clean on Tamils rights, the LTTE will continue to exploit issues like these and promote fighting among Tamils. The Tamils will continue to drag behind LTTE – the saga will continue many years to come.
If this saga continues, the future generation of Tamils will need to read the history to find out that Tamils ‘LIVED’ in SL!!!
Mahul.C.Spencer said,
August 13, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
Even though I had known Thilai Jeyakumar (TJ) since the 80?s I did not get involved with the TCC (LTTE) until 93 when I wanted answers to questions of financial misdoings by the Melb-TCC raised in a pamphlet by one Chandraguptha. TJ wanted and gave me to play a larger role but was edged out by one Murgesu Paramanathan (who was brought into the TCC inner circle by me through my friendship with TJ. Since the 2002 LTTE-GOSL peace talks began under the guidance of their “Mathi Urangnar” AB I have told the listeners of a 24 hour Narrow Area Service (1/8 FM bandwidth) Tamil Radio that Sadham Hussein ’s fates awaits the ?thesiathalivar? (VP) once India and the GOSL have had enough use of him.
It is a happy coincidence and am grateful for your having given written expression most my spoken words over two 24 hr Tamil Radio stations with great difficulties in being censored, censured, insulted and humiliated by derogatory remarks aimed personally at me (for being a 63 year old single celibate) and being drowned and garbled by a voice over and at times being abruptly disconnected from the air.
I was unaware of this article and its reader’s responses when I took part last weekend during their talk back sessions. .
I am now questioning the usefulness of my participations in these Tamil radios.
As a way out of our quagmire, I have suggested over these radios that VP step aside or be an adviser below the radar whilst apologising to Sonia and the GOI along with requesting help to save the Tamils from yet another unprecedented bloodbath for prejudices, ignorance stupidity and lack of knowledge of both regional and international geo-political realities.
Even if Sonia and the GOI do nothing, still it will serve to salve VP’s his family and our consciences’ for acting more horribly than some animals that tend to demonstrate greater altruism and gratitude than what AB, VP and some Tamils & Singhalese have shown to-date.
S.Rajan said,
August 13, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Dear Jeyarajah,
“Paradise gained and lost” is worth reading and re-reading. A brilliant analysis of the Indo-Ceylon accord, factually correct and portrays the utter political bankruptcy of the LTTE. Unfortunately, theLTTE and its yesmen are under the illusion that they can do no wrong. You can put up a person who is asleep, but not one who pretends to sleep. Their business empire will expand throughout the world, but the Tamil Community will get liquidated in Sri Lanka.
Hon Para Demalan said,
August 13, 2007 @ 4:36 pm
‘Para Demala’ might have offended the Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC), but “Pa’raiyar, a prestigious ancestors of the Tamil social formation, would definitely laugh at Basil Rajapaksa for his stupid choice of words,” Tamil parliamentarian P. Ariyanenthiran told media Monday. The resignation of five ministers of the CWC from the ruling Rajapaksa government Thursday was triggered by a clash with Mr. Basil Rajapaksa, SL president’s brother and presidential advisor, who, in the height of the argument, reportedly chose to call a senior CWC leader as ‘Para Demala,’ (the Tamil of the drummer-caste), which the Sinhalese think is a derogatory way of calling a Tamil.
Raj said,
August 14, 2007 @ 12:15 am
IMHO, the only event that would trigger India’s involvement in SL’s ethnic conflict (beyond its current actions as DBS describes above) is if IC goes over the top and intervenes directly. A highly unlikely event but one that is necessary to prevent the genocide of SL’s Tamil population.
Ajith Manawadu said,
August 14, 2007 @ 7:03 am
Indians have no business sending IPKF to Sri Lanka except to help J.R squash Tamil National Aspirations and in return get VOA evicted / Trinco Oil Tanks in IOC hands etc,etc.
The real problem of Tamils subjugation was never the issue or any non implementation of the agreed devolution powers are all games played amongst elitists from both countries.
The Indians got their fingers burnt and embarrassed by the send off.
Good Job. SINCERETY IN SOLVING ONES ETHNIC CONFLICT IS THE ESSENCE THAT WAS MISSING THEN, AND STILL IS…!!!
Ron Jeremy said,
August 14, 2007 @ 7:27 am
why is the LTTE blamed always.Is it not true that if not for the LTTE the tamils would have faced a greater genocide, by the sinhalese army ?..why cannot the UN provide a Kosovo solution to the tamils and sinhalese ?
Abimanu said,
August 14, 2007 @ 10:29 am
DBJ,
Yours is a very well written, objective and balanced article. The Tamils are suffering and will continue to face more sufferings because of the self centredness and the colossal stupidity of the LTTE and its cohorts. They should appolgise to the Tamils for this historical blunder let alone for many others that followed it.
There are some unanswered questions .-Why did the LTTE actually oppose the Accord although they first declared its acceptance?; Who fired the first shot -was it the LTTE or the IPKF and who suffered the first casualty?; Why didn’t TULF participate in the elections to the North- East Provincial government?; What mistakes did the EPRLF do?; Why could they not continue with the governance of the North- Eastern province? Could Varadaraja Perumal have done anything differently?; (if he had stayed back in Sri Lanka, surely LTTE, going by their past records, would have killed him long ago!); What choice did EPRLF have at that time? -It would be informative if you would write soon a follow up to your aricle incorporating these aspects. I will be one among the many who would be looking forward to it .
Raj said,
August 14, 2007 @ 11:05 am
Finally an article that challenges the dogma of the LTTE!For too long the LTTE has led the Tamil community down the path of violence, racism and facism. This has got to end. The LTTE may have started with noble intentions but it has degenerated into a terrorist movement with a head honcho that refuses to let go of power. Prabhakaran has led the Tamil community from disaster to disaster and has spread his tentacles to the Tamil diaspora all over thre world. His blind followers cheer everything he does but never open their eyes to the utter devestation that the Tamil community faces in Sri Lanka because of the LTTE. The LTTE has spurned every opportunity for peace. It walked away even when Ranil was in power and that was yet another good chance to secure peace with rights for Tamils. One can only hope that Tamils will realise the folly of supporting the LTTE.
Raja, UK said,
August 14, 2007 @ 11:19 am
Dear Ranjan
How Tamil Community will get liquidated in Sri Lanka?
For example on the 14th of August 2006, 61 schools girls died and over 129 others were injured during an aerial bombardment by the Sri Lanka Air Force while they were attending a Leadership, Self-Awareness and First Aid workshop funded and supported by the Centre for Women’s Rehabilitation and Development .
Mahulchandran (Mal). C.Spencer said,
August 14, 2007 @ 11:56 am
Dear DBS,
Based on this presentation, Jane’s Intelligence Review and your other analytical articles dealing with the laterally inverted mirror image of the roots of the people of India and SriLanka. It appears that the LTTE and VP like some other non grassroots people’s movements has lost its original vision and mission of claiming to be solely freedom fighters and is today having more in common (partly due to the film idol MGR being made to misidentify himself with VP) with the not dissimilar beginnings and functions of the then Sicilian (Clannish) Mafia that still exists in other metamorphosed forms in other countries. So too will the LTTE vested interests change for its dependents for monetary and other benefits.
As it happens the messenger/s may be shot for the unwelcome retaliatory violent messages but consequent and subsequent happenings do try to find a compromise solution to redress and address the causes of the contentions. Hence with and/or without the LTTE, the long overdue matters too will have to come to some form of conclusion (though transitory) hopefully in the not too distant future.
MCS
Metha said,
August 14, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
Re comment No 13, i think the interview DBS had with Mahathaya along with Anton Balasingam, has some details.
I do not know why DBS and Tamil Week not intrested in Re Publishing that important Interview. Because of this interview Published in Sunday Island for two weeks DBS was taken into custody by JRJ.
Because of Mahathaya’s name LTTE media is not intrested in republishing this.
But DBS and Tamil Week have some other reasons, i think, for not wanting to RePublish the said Interview.
For better information of others i hope It would be RE Published.
Mahulchandran (Mal). C.Spencer said,
August 15, 2007 @ 12:35 am
Dear DBS,
Based on this thoroughly well thought out presentation, Janes Intelligence Review, yours and over the years others like Adrian Wijeyamane and Brian Seniviratne’s analytical and insightful writings and articles dealing with the laterally inverted mirror image of the roots of the people of India and SriLankan. And also from my personal experiences with them since 93, the two so-called Tamil Radio stations that suppress any non pro LTTE thoughts and comments but use it mainly to propagandise (through news, interviews and talk back) false and unrealistic hopes for a Tamil Elam that seems to be around the corner now for well over two generations.
It appears that the LTTE and VP like some other still realistically non grassroots people’s movements have lost their original vision and mission of claiming to be solely freedom fighters and are today having more in common (partly due to the film idol MGR being mislead to misidentify himself with VP) with the not dissimilar beginnings, spreading and functions of the then Sicilian (Clannish) Mafia that still exists in other metamorphosed forms in other countries. So too will the LTTE vested interests change for its dependents for financial profit and other personal benefits.
As it happens the messenger/s may be shot for all the unwelcome retaliatory violent messages brought about primarily by self serving British, Indian, Chauvinistic both Singhalese and Tamil politicians to date. Yet historically consequent and subsequent happenings do try to find a compromise solution to redress and address the causes of the basic contentions. Hence with or without the LTTE, the long outstanding and overdue matters too will have to come to some form of conclusion (however transitory like in the recent Eritrean history) hopefully in the near future.
I will send to your e-mail address some of my past behind the scenes correspondences to substantiate some the statements I have made in these two responses.
mcs
Lester said,
August 15, 2007 @ 2:37 am
India has left the building people.
As DBS illustrates here LTTE literally blew up any hope of Indian direct involvement, the megalomaniac in the jungle has done his best to marginalise the Tamil people and worse still eliminate a generation of capable Tamil leaders who weren’t perfect but genuinely worked towards progress of the Tamil community and actually had the capacity to achieve results.
Which is more than we can say for the despot/terrorist!
Ms Vani Kumar said,
August 15, 2007 @ 3:31 am
Thank you very much Ron Jeremy ,
Ethnic Cleansing and Colonization
State-sponsored colonization of Sinhalese in the North and East, the areas of Tamil majority, has been taking place since 1948. The most notorious and violent case of ethnic cleansing was the settlement in 1984 of the 42 village area of the south-eastern Vanni called Manal Aru, now called by the Sinhalese name of Weli Oya. (3) (See also Manogaran) This settlement was preceded by forcing Tamil villagers from their homes beginning in the late 1970s. The officer in charge of Chemmani at the time of the mass burials there, Brig. Janaka Perera, was deeply involved in this operation and even had a town named after him, Janakapura, which means ‘Janaka Town.’
Mass killings
Mass killings pogroms against Tamils in 1956, 1977, 1981 and 1983. Over 3,000 Tamils were killed in 1983 alone. Since the war broke out, the East has been the scene of a particularly large number of killings, with at least 9,000 being killed between 1990 and 1993 alone, with many incidents in which whole villages were attacked and the inhabitants slaughtered. Dr.Patricia Lawrence has observed that in many of the killings and massacres the perpetrators considered their impunity so complete that they did not even bother to bury their victims to hide the evidence.
An recent example on the 14th of August 2006, 61 schools girls died and over 129 others were injured during an aerial bombardment by the Sri Lanka Air Force (UN Report, August 2006).
Reference: Avis Harrell Sri-Jayantha,
B.A., M.A (Sociology) Princeton University
Proceedings of International Conference On Tamil Nationhood & Search for Peace in Sri Lanka, Ottawa, Canada 1999
shankar said,
August 15, 2007 @ 5:54 am
i can’t forget the IPKF coz they raped and killed my ex girlfriend
Samuel said,
August 15, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
As much as Sinhalese racism has contributed to the downfall of Sri Lanka, Tamil racism represented by the LTTE and its minions has done so too. The Indo-Lanka Accord was an opportunity to change the island for the better. Unfortunately that did not happen. On this occasion the LTTE totally blew it and the island’s Tamils are still paying for their folly. Supporting the LTTE is like picking up red hot iron bars, you may think they will protect you but in actual fact they are burning you to death.
Mahulchandran (Mal). C.Spencer said,
August 15, 2007 @ 11:16 pm
the following quote from George Orwell as is applicable in all it’s roots to all the players.
“The nationalist not only does not disapprove of atrocities committed by his own side, he has a remarkable capacity for not even hearing about them.”
-George Orwell
Dr KC said,
August 16, 2007 @ 5:51 pm
I am pleased to see so many comments encouraging and supporting DBS’s good work.
DBS is an asset to our community. He had the guts to expose the brutality of the GOSL and barmy strategy of the LTTE that brought nothing but pain and misery to our homeland.
There are two types of Tamil politicians: Anandasangaree et al shout a lot about the HR violations of the LTTE but they do not say a word about the horrendous abuses by the GOSL. On the other hand, some LTTE followers among our politicians do not say a word about the barmy conduct of the LTTE.
That’s why I feel that DBS is a great asset to us. I would love to see the formation of “Jeyaraj Foundation” as a mark of recognition of great journalism by this living legend. This foundation ought to promote HR issues, respecting rule of law, good governance etc by conducting elocution, drama and essay contests and workshops for our children in the NE.
Muthu Pillai said,
August 20, 2007 @ 3:19 pm
It was Indra Gandhi’s compassion for the Sri lankan Tamils which prompted her to send their defence minister immediately after pogrom of 1983 and Sri lanka became a pouch state in the eyes of the international world.
It was also her son Rajeev Gandhi who had the stamina to make a paripu drop immediately to warn the defence minister Lalith Athulath mudali to halt his liberation operation and the foxy Jr Jawardhana to make the Indo-Lanka accord. Which would have been the greatest victory for the Elam Tamils. Detaining the 7 sea tigers by the Sri Lankan Navy and their suicide, turned the tables and every thing was lost.
Now again it is Raghul Gandhi who is going to stop the horrendous acts of the Rajapakse brother’s indiscriminate killings, abduction, and exhortation to save the Tamils and give them a home where they can live in safely, peace and dignity.
Governments may come and go but only the Gandhis have the strength of character to help out the Elam Tamils. Thank you Raghul save us from anguish, death and destruction. Before the Tamils lose their homeland the North East.
Chennai_Tamilan said,
August 21, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
We are wasting our time talking about Indira and Rajiv Gandhi and the mess they created. If Selfish India had minded her own business, there would never have been this current mess as is today.
No use crying over spilt milk. The Tigers and SL Govt. should seek common ground and negotiate. Prabakaran will never have his Eelam. He has lost the East. He has the stuff to drag his fight next 3-5 years. He may win many battles, but the Tamils are too tired and weary. They want peace with dignity. No one cares much anymore. Even if Ranil comes to power again, Tigers will try negotiate and yet fight. There has to be some sincereity and give and take shown by the Sinhalese too. Sinhalese should accept Tamils as their brothers and want to live side by side with Tamils in peace. With the present attitude of the racist Sinhalese, it will take another 5 years for peace on the island. Tigers should realise Eelam is futile and negotiate for peace just like TamilNadu is in the Indian Union. There is no other way!
S.Santhirasegaran said,
August 24, 2007 @ 7:32 am
J.R The Fox made use of Rajeev Gandhi who sent IPKF which killed many Tamil Civilians, Proffessionals Doctors etc. and even Raped Tamil Women in Nos .
Gandhi was informed by Tamil Politicians of what was hapening but he as Commander in Chief never stoped IPKF of its excess to please JR The Fox
who achived what he wanted from 1987 to further complete the black July Riots which he enginerd in 1983
Inthiyan said,
August 24, 2007 @ 10:33 am
Tigers lost East and the ones who sufferd are Tamils. How long will they fight? Havent Tamils suffered enough? Puligal should negotiate for peace and give up fighting. The world has moved on. Tamils badly need peace and good future.
Thamilan said,
August 29, 2007 @ 7:54 am
Inthiyan,
We did suffer, for what? To give up and get killed by the Sinhalese just like from independence to 1983 (even to the very moment). India suffered alot more, they kept on fighting and thats how they got thier freedom. If India gave up and bowed to the wishes of the British, you wouldn’t be here talking crap.
To all those Tamils who think giving up and accepting what ever the Indians or Sihalese force upon us is the way to live, then you can be thier slave. For the rest of us, we have back bones and we have history shaped by many empire such as the Pandian, Colan, Cheran, Pallavns, etc.
It is a sad fact that many of the current Tamils have the blood and mentality of Ettappan, when they should be more like Veerapandiya Kattabomman.
rk said,
August 30, 2007 @ 1:52 am
I cannot believe the ppl are still reading and replying
(venting).
Other more important and current events to which
responses are needed like the slaying of aid workers,
and elimination of the media in Jaffna among others
s/b addressed.
A classic paralysis by analysis.
The Indians did save more than a few Tams by merely
showing at that fateful time.
meenan said,
August 31, 2007 @ 9:39 am
hi DBS, everyday i checking your articles. everything good. But i am worrying that you have to write something regarding Soosai (Sea tiger leader) matters like what you wrotte regarding karuna matter.
abish said,
September 17, 2007 @ 12:39 pm
Why Indo Lanka accord failed?
The answer was written by the former Indian Army comander, The book was reviwed in Frontline magazine. Please add that to your article. but I enjoy reading your articles please keep on writing. You are one of the good writer the tamils have.
Maiyu said,
September 28, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
All talk about that ltte is doing all the bad stuff. ok. If then why dont u all forget to think how come they are not won by any government? Have any singala ppl ever thought about this? just think. You all read single sided articles. 1st u must learn who is the main reson for this problem? it is india. U never talk with a neutral tamil. because u made them afraid about speaking truth. Even a tamil who is agaist ltte will agree that because of them tamils are living in colombo. otherwise u will screw all tamils. All singala ppl want ltte to drop arms. Never and ever sinhala ppl will know the real problem of a Tamil. If u can then there wont any problem for tamils. You all talk about peace. not want to understand tamils problem. I dont want u to understand this. because u are all in a screen created by ur myth and ur small world created by politicians. But learn one thing. Try to learn about India and its ruling fanatic hindu high cast community. One day you will see both screw u, your country and ur religion. and last not the least have u ever wonder what happend to the buddist religion which is spread all over the world and why it is not at all (nearly) in India. (I wont say it is screwed) you think ltte is ur worst enemy. you live inside a closed enviornment. try to understand ur status.