Violence in the Northeast should not be measured in numerical terms as it distorts the picture of what is happening there, the Parliamentary group leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan, told the Sunday Leader newspaper.
Asked to comment on India’s role, the TNA leader pointed out that India has grievances against both sides in the Sri Lanka conflict, but may still be willing to help resolve the Tamil question peacefully.
Responding to the reporter’s suggestion the Liberation Tigers are responsible for the weakening of the February 2002 ceasefire agreement, the TNA leader said “Violence should not be discussed in numerical terms as it distorts the picture.”
“Yet if this is the argument, then every civilian who has not been resettled would add to the CFA violations by the government and the numbers would far exceed those of the LTTE.”
“One could say the CFA is no longer there given the present situation. Of course, we want it resuscitated. It has broken down and there is low intensity war today.
“The unfortunate thing about security for the northeast Tamils is that armed forces are hostile to the people. There is little exception, but most look at civilians also as if they are enemies.
“The composition of the armed forces is such that they are 99% Sinhalese. There are an increased number of checkpoints, army camps and road barricades. The forces are more severe with ordinary Tamil civilians who are on combat traning. This is why they are fleeing the country at great risk.”
“The present composition of the forces needs to be changed to restore confidence amongst the Tamils that they are safe in their hands. Also, no credible investigations are held in connection with the human rights violations which show that the law enforcement mechanism is also not supportive. Those who feel unsafe have commenced fleeing.”
Asked to comment on recent comments by LTTE Chief Negotiator and Political Strategist Anton Balasingham, saying India should forget the past and take a greater diplomatic and political role in addressing Tamil grievances in Sri Lanka, Mr. Sampanthan said:
“The LTTE reached out to India much earlier when they suggested our neighbour at the talk’s venue. Next, the LTTE suggested India as an observer at the talks which clearly indicated the recognition of India’s role in settling the conflict.”
Asked to comment on India’s cautious approach to Sri Lanka, Mr. Sampanthan said: “India has all the reason to be an aggrieved party, and that too for more than one reason.”
“Gandhi’s assassination was absolutely tragic; The IPKF arrived in Sri Lanka at the invitation of the government. [But] the state [also] provided arms and vehicles to the LTTE to fight the IPKF.”
“A sailor at the ceremonial parade here [in Colombo] assaulted Premier Gandhi, during his visit to sign the Indo Lanka Peace Accord. He was given a jail term by a Sri Lankan president and pardoned also by a president.”
“Despite all the blunders committed by Sri Lanka, India may still be willing to lend a hand. India has tremendous love for Sri Lanka and we could benefit from her genuine affection in our decisive moment.”
Asked to comment on India’s role, the TNA leader pointed out that India has grievances against both sides in the Sri Lanka conflict, but may still be willing to help resolve the Tamil question peacefully.
Responding to the reporter’s suggestion the Liberation Tigers are responsible for the weakening of the February 2002 ceasefire agreement, the TNA leader said “Violence should not be discussed in numerical terms as it distorts the picture.”
“Yet if this is the argument, then every civilian who has not been resettled would add to the CFA violations by the government and the numbers would far exceed those of the LTTE.”
“One could say the CFA is no longer there given the present situation. Of course, we want it resuscitated. It has broken down and there is low intensity war today.
“The unfortunate thing about security for the northeast Tamils is that armed forces are hostile to the people. There is little exception, but most look at civilians also as if they are enemies.
“The composition of the armed forces is such that they are 99% Sinhalese. There are an increased number of checkpoints, army camps and road barricades. The forces are more severe with ordinary Tamil civilians who are on combat traning. This is why they are fleeing the country at great risk.”
“The present composition of the forces needs to be changed to restore confidence amongst the Tamils that they are safe in their hands. Also, no credible investigations are held in connection with the human rights violations which show that the law enforcement mechanism is also not supportive. Those who feel unsafe have commenced fleeing.”
Asked to comment on recent comments by LTTE Chief Negotiator and Political Strategist Anton Balasingham, saying India should forget the past and take a greater diplomatic and political role in addressing Tamil grievances in Sri Lanka, Mr. Sampanthan said:
“The LTTE reached out to India much earlier when they suggested our neighbour at the talk’s venue. Next, the LTTE suggested India as an observer at the talks which clearly indicated the recognition of India’s role in settling the conflict.”
Asked to comment on India’s cautious approach to Sri Lanka, Mr. Sampanthan said: “India has all the reason to be an aggrieved party, and that too for more than one reason.”
“Gandhi’s assassination was absolutely tragic; The IPKF arrived in Sri Lanka at the invitation of the government. [But] the state [also] provided arms and vehicles to the LTTE to fight the IPKF.”
“A sailor at the ceremonial parade here [in Colombo] assaulted Premier Gandhi, during his visit to sign the Indo Lanka Peace Accord. He was given a jail term by a Sri Lankan president and pardoned also by a president.”
“Despite all the blunders committed by Sri Lanka, India may still be willing to lend a hand. India has tremendous love for Sri Lanka and we could benefit from her genuine affection in our decisive moment.”
