The University of Jaffna Students' Union has called for a “new political culture” for Eelam Tamils, as they outlined a range of demands to Tamil political parties including “moulding Tamil nationalism into a progressive force”.
"The recent Presidential election result has shown different dimensions and political thoughts of the Tamil people,” said a statement from the student union.
“Significant support for campaigns by the Common Tamil Candidate and boycott of the polls, both undertaken from a Tamil nationalist point of view, is a significant change in Tamil politics. That the fear of one Sinhala chauvinist candidate from the south has led them to support another, apparently less harmful, representative of Sinhala chauvinism is plain."
They went on to outline several demands to Tamil political parties, aimed at renewing Tamil nationalism through progressive leadership. These demands include:
Those with social, developmental, political, academic and cultural expertise, along with a progressive vision for the Tamil nation, should be fielded as election candidates
Those who have been members of parliament for two or more terms should retire from electoral politics and instead immerse themselves in grassroot politics
Young people should form at least 40 to 50% of the candidates
It is essential that in the interest of moulding Tamil nationalism into a progressive force that women, young people and those on the fringes of our society are given the opportunity (to stand in the elections).
Candidates should not be chosen based solely on their emotions but those who can progress Tamil nationalism on an intellectual basis should be chosen.
It is against the will of the people to select beaten candidates for the national list. Further, learned activists should be chosen to the national list, not just party members.
Defending the East: Amparai and Trincomalee
The University of Jaffna Student Union stressed the urgent need for vigilance in Tamil-majority regions in the east, particularly in Amparai and Trincomalee, where Tamil representation is at risk. "Let us preserve the Tamils' status and representation in the east!" they urged.
In Amparai, Tamil political representation has already disappeared, and in Trincomalee, it is under threat, the students added. The union called for Tamil political parties to work together to field strong candidates who have a realistic chance of securing Tamil representation in these areas. This collective action is crucial to prevent further erosion of Tamil political influence in the eastern provinces.
Exposing 'fake' Tamil MPs
The Student Union also slammed the presence of so-called 'fake' Tamil MPs. These politicians, the union argues, masquerade as Tamil nationalists but have led campaigns that are harmful to the emancipation of the Tamil people.
"Real change will be to overthrow the 'fakes' masquerading as Tamil nationalists yet led campaigns harmful to Tamil people's emancipation... to be swept up by the current fashion in politics of ridding corruption, and concentrating on southern political forces instead of Tamil nationalism is political suicide."
"Tamil people should identify and marginalise fake Tamil nationalists," they added.
See the full statement below.
புதியதொரு அரசியற் பண்பாட்டினால் புத்துயிர் பெறட்டும் தமிழர் தேசம் - யாழ்ப்பாணப் பல்கலைக்கழக மாணவர் ஒன்றியம்
— Jaffna University Students’ Union (@uojusu) October 4, 2024
04.10.2024 | ஊடக வெளியீடு pic.twitter.com/sC6vCoiDNh
