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By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The small but strategic township of Sampoor in the Muthur East division of Trincomalee district came under the control of Sri Lankan armed forces around noon on Monday September 4th. There was no resistance as troops advanced cautiously because the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had vacated Sampoor ivernight after having moving out its heavy artillery earlier.
The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) commenced a massive operation to retake Sampoor exactly a week ago on Monday August 28th. In a battle of mixed fortunes both GOSL and LTTE fighters inflicted heavy damage on each other and also won and lost territory.
The security forces however pushed relentlessly forward to Sampoor after taking a couple of “breathers’ on two days to rest and consolidate acquired territory.
With the GOSL pumping in more men and materials on the one hand and the beleaguered tigers in Sampoor region not receiving reinforcements from the North the result of the Sampoor battle became obvious. The ground based drive of the army was supported vy intensive artillery fire, aerial bombardment and naval gun boat shelling.
[Map:TamilNet]
The armed forces moved forward along the coastal areas in what was clearly a battle weighed in their favour. As the LTTE began losing ground in Kattaiparichan, Senaiyoor, Ambalnagar and Ganeshapuram it became certain that the LTTE had to move out of Sampoor or face encirclement.
The LTTE began moving out its heavy, long range artillery pieces on Friday and Saturday night while offering resistance to advancing troops. On Sunday Sep 3rd night the LTTE moved out clandestinely from Sampoor township and outlying areas.
Security forces realised that the LTTE had abandoned Sampoor on Monday Sep 4th morning. Fearing a trap the troops did not rush in but moved forward along the coast cautiously while being on the look out for landmines and booby traps.
Soldiers also destroyed the bunkers and artillery positions found along the way. Security forces had taken over the small Sampoor town by noon on the 4th and were proceeding further along the coast slowly.
LTTE vacating Sampoor on the 4th was another stroke of luck for President Mahinda Rajapakse who was presiding over the 55th year party convention of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in Colombo. A beaming Rajapakse broke the news that the army had retaken Sampoor to wildly cheering and applauding gathering. Rajapakse also repeated his familiar chant that the GOSL was fighting a defensive war. [Picture: DailyMirror.lk]
Though Sampoor is a small township with a main street, some buildings and a few lanes the surrounding areas are of strategic importance. The Sampoor region is about 19 square miles in area. The LTTE had fourteen camps and three naval bases in the region and also its Trincomalee district political and military headquarters.
The tigers had reportedly stationed one 130 mm, two 122mm and four 120 mm in the Sampoor regions. A number of well – camouflaged platforms were constructed along the coast. The tigers used to shift the heavy artillery from place to place amid great difficulty.
Despite intensive bombardment and shelling the armed forces were unable to silence or destroy these batteries.They have all been relocated to the Verugal – Vaaharai region on the Trincomalee – Batticaloa district border.
It was the presence of this artillery battery which made Sampoor strategically important as the LTTE could target China Bay and Trincomalee harbour across Kottiyaar bay from here. The LTTE did do so on at least two occasions in August thereby adding a sense of urgency to GOSL plans of retaking Sampoor.
What remains puzzling to many is the conduct of the LTTE hierarchy regarding the Sampoor battle. Though tiger spokespersons stated that they will not give up Sampoor the Wanni leadership did not send any reinforcements. No counter strikes or ocounter offensives were launched.
[SLMM head Ulf Henricsson with Mr.Elilan and representatives of Tamil civilians at Maavil Aaru area to open the sluice gates on Aug 6th. - TamilNet Photo]
The tigers in Sampoor were virtually abandoned by Kilinochchi and it is indeed a manifestation of tiger grit and courage that LTTE cadres were able to resist military advances for seven days.
The GOSL troops are currently moving along the Sampoor coast towards Ilakkanthai. Security forces have now about 75 % of the Sampoor region under control. Most of these are littoral areas.
Though the tigers have vacated Sampoor they are still present in hinterland areas of Muthur East. The LTTE launched a mortar fire blitz against the army camp at Selvanagar on Monday. Two soldiers were killed and several injured.
The GOSL is projecting an impression that a major victory has been achieved and that vanquished tigers are on the run. The South is being told that the tiger “menace” in Sampoor is over. It is also being stated that Trincomalee and China Bay are safe now.
These assumptions could be proven wrong in the long run.
While the army consolidates captured areas of Sampoor the LTTE may very well launch guerilla incursions in the days to come. Though the LTTE vacated Sampoor it has not lost many men or important military assets. The tigers are down but not out in Sampoor.
Also the LTTE has in the past conducted operations in China Bay and Trincomalee without territorial control of Sampoor. It may very well do so even now.
The LTTE has admitted tacitly in a letter to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission that Sampoor has been taken over by the army and that it is a ceasefire violation. The LTTE has inquired as to why the SLMM remains silent so far and has not condemned the action so far.
The tigers had also sent an urgent message to Norwy on Friday Sep 1st warnig the four co – chairs that the LTTE will consider quitting the peace process formally if Sampoor fell to the army. Colombo however did not take this word of caution seriously and went ahead with its plans.
LTTE Defence Affairs spokesperson Rasiah Ilanthiraiyan has said that the LTTE hierarchy was seriously engaged in reviewing the current status of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile S. Elilan, Trincomalee tiger political Commissar has said that the army is only in possession of the coastal areas of Sampoor. The LTTE according to Elilan is still fighting the army and is re- positioning itself in the interior areas.
The GOSL is also trying to paint a humanitarian picture of its military operation by saying that displaced Muslims from Muthur and Thopoor will be re- settled as a result of Sampoor being retaken.
What is deliberately ignored is the terrible onslaught by the security forces against Tamil civilians in Muthur East from April 25th onwards. Aerial bombardment by the Air Force, Artillery fire by the Army and Gunboat shelling by the navy continued sporadically for months.
The final ground based offensive on Aug 28th was the culmination of a prolonged, cruel campaign where the civilians underwent great destruction, deahs and displacement.
According to LTTE figures 93 Tamil civilans have been killed and 215 injured in LTTE controlled regions of Muthur East and Eechilampattru from April 25th. Over 66, 000 Tamils in the region have been displaced to Batticaloa. 12 villages with a population of about 15, 000 have been totally destroyed while almost all other villages are greatly affected.
The GOSL has use security as an excuse to prevent foof, medicine, aid etc from reaching the affected areas. NGO’s and media are not allowed in while a military campaign of genocidal proportions is conducted.
International Humanitarian law has been defiantly flouted. All sense of proportionality regarding use of force has been disregarded. Moreover the Rajapakse regime has boldly stated that it’s military objectives openly and followed suit.
Even now plans are afoot to de – populate the strategic Sampoor region of Tamils and set up a high security zone for the military extending from Muthur jetty to Ilakkanthai. Muslims will be resettled in Muthur and Thoppoor as a “buffer”.
The Rajapakse regime will orchestrate a jubiliant victory celebration of Sampoor in the days to come. What is not realised is that this “victory” is in reality a great crime against humanity. Organizations like the Amnesty International which issued a critique of Israel in Lebanon should examine what went on in Muthur East critically and condemn both the GOSL and LTTE for their conduct.
Related:
- Tigers hit back at Pattiaddy but move artillery out from Sampoor
- Armed Forces seize four villages around Sampur
- Army advances as Sampur battle enters new phase
- Wretched of the North-East Lanka earth
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September 4th, 2006
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
In the on going battle of see -saw fortunes for control of strategic Sampoor , the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) hit back at the security forces effectively in Pattiaddy. But moved out their long – range artillery from the conflict zone Southwards, to the Verugal – Vaaharai region.
The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) commenced ground operations on Monday August 28th to take control of the Sampoor region comprising an area of 19 square miles and its adjacent areas. The region in Muthur East division had been constantly subjected to aerial bombardment, artillery fire and naval gunboat shelling in a bid to drive Tamil civilians away and destroy infra-structure.
Seven days of fighting saw a comparative lull on Aug 31st and Sep 3rd respectively. The days of “lull” saw the GOSL troops trying to consolidate gains achieved while engaging in low intensity artillery fire.
The security forces moving out in different directions from different fronts had advanced to a considerable extent by Friday Sep 1st.
Troops moving out from Pachanoor had advanced about 2 km to reach Santhanavattai near the Malligaitheevu junction. Security personnel moving out from the Thoppoor and Selvanagar camps had moved forward about one KM to reach Pattiaddy.
The main thrust from Kattaiparichan littoral was the most successful having advanced more than three kilometres and entering border areas of the Sampoor Grama Sevakha division. Security forces brought under control the whole of Kattaiparichan in addition to Senaiyoor, Ganeshapuram and Ambalnagar.
Even as the GOSL troops were consolidating gains on the Kattaiparichan – Sampoor front the tigers hit back ferociously at Pattoaddy. This was the first time in the on going battle that the LTTE launched a limited counter- strike. The tigers had been fighting what was mainly a defensive war.
The LTTE on Saturday Sep 2nd counter – attacked GOSL troops at Pattiaddy and compelled them to retreat to earlier positions in Selvanagar and Thoppoor.
LTTE Political Commissar for Trincomalee S. Elilan claimed that 12 soldiers were killed and more than 25 injured in the Pattiaddy fighting. He also said that an Armoured Personnel Carrier and another armoured vehicle were destroyed in the fight.
The LTTE had lost four men at Pattiaddy. They were Capt. Lathangan, (Ganeshamoorthy Balachandran of Sittandy)2nd Lt Olivanan (Meganathan Sibirajan), Kaavalan ( Shanmugam Naveenan of Munaikkaadu) and a woman cadre Thillaimathy (Thangarajah Geetheswary of Kokkatticholai). All four were from Baticaloa district.
While successfully repulsing the army at Paddiaddy the LTTE has commenced moving out its long – range artillery from Sampoor to the Verugal – Vaaharai region further South. This move is seen as a precursor to a complete withdrawal of the LTTE from Sampoor in the days to come.
With the GOSL pumping in more men and materials in addition to constant – bombing and shelling the tigers are not expected to hold out for long unless further reinforcements from the North arrive. While continuing to resist in Sampoor the LTTE is expected to make a strategic withdrawal at an appropriate juncture to avoid full encirclement.
It was the presence of long – range artillery in Sampoor that exacerbated a threat perception to the GOSL. The LTTE was capable of attacking Trincomalee and China Bay from Sampoor. This could have disrupted Trincomalee – China Bay in addition to cutting off supply lines to Jaffna. Also Sampoor was a launching pad to attack Trincomalee.
The LTTE counter – offensive during the Maavilaaru crisis saw the tigers using Sampoor to launch an attack on Muthur and also send out a flotilla to Trincomalee. The LTTE also fired artillery at Trinco harbour on two occasions during the campaign. On one occasion 36 shells fell inside the Naval HQ in Trinco within 30 minutes.
The tigers were reported to stationed one 130 mm, two 122mm and four 120 mm in the Sampoor regions. A number of well – camouflaged platforms were constructed along the coast. The tigers used to shift the heavy artillery from place to place amid great difficulty. Despite intensive bombardment and shelling the armed forces were unable to silence or destroy these batteries.
Now the LTTE had commenced moving out the artillery to Verugal – Vaaharai region on the border of Trincomalee – Vaaharai districts. It is reported that the LTTE already has two long range 120 mm and 122 mm artillery there. The firing range of 120 mm’s are 15 km and 122 mm 20 km respectively.
According to reports from the conflict zone the LTTE is now firing only 60 mm mortars and Rocket propelled Grenades. The GOSL is using a lot of field artillery in addition to deploying many battle tanks and armoured cars. LTTE landmines, Johnny mines and other booby traps have reportedly exacted a heavy toll.
The LTTE had three naval bases at Soodaikkudaa, Ilakkanthai and Kadatkaraichenai in the Sampoor region. In addition there were 14 camps in the interior. The LTTE had Sampoor as its Trincomalee headquarters with its head camp, political office, courts, Police station, bank etc being situated there.
There were about 15,000 people in 12 villages in the Sampoor region prior to the escalation of bombardment and shelling. Sampoor was first targetted on April 25th this year when the army commander Sarath Fonseka was targetted by a suicide bomber.
Gen Sarath Fonseka made an unpublicised trip to Trincomalee district last week. Army deputy chief Gen Nanda Mallawaratchy is already stationed in Kallaru to oversee the Sampoor operation. Fonseka’s visit to the frontline cheered the troops and increased morale it is learnt.
Security personnel numbering 2000 – 2500 are deployed currently on the Sampoor front.They are from the 8th Sinha regiment under Lt. Col. Romesh Fernando, 6th Gajaba regiment commanded by Lt. Col Thalgahawatte and the special forces 2nd brigade led by Major.Ihalage.
The army lost 22 men including two officers in the first three days of fighting. 130 men were injured. It is estimated now that army casualties are about 70 killed and more than 200 wounded. Injured soldiers are receiving treatment at the Polonnaruwa, Kanthalai, Trincomalee , Anuradhapura hospitals . roops are also being treated at Sri Jayawardhenapura, Colombo national and Military hospitals.
The LTTE has lost about 40 to 50 men including Major Parani. The exact number of injured tigers are not known. The LTTE medical unit is attending to them. Trinco Special Commander “Col” Sornam is in charge of Sampoor defences while Batticaloa Special Commander “Col” Bhanu is coordinating logistics from Verugal.
The intense conflict has made the Sampoor region virtually devoid of civilians. At least twelve villages have faced utter destruction while other villages in the Muthur East and Eechilampattru divisions are also affected. The bulk of Tamil civilians in these areas have crossed over to Batticaloa and are in the Koralaipattru North division as refugees.62, 643 peole from 15, 540 families have sought refuge there.
The displacement of Tamils from these regions in Trincomalee district was a deliberate move . It was clearly intended to de – populate the region of Tamils for politico – military reasons. While chasing Tamils away from their traditional homeland the GOSL is announcing that it will re- settle Muslims in their areas.
The GOSL also intends setting up a high security zone from Muthur Jetty to Ilakanthai. Tamil civilians will be deprived of their habitat as in Jaffna. Muslims will be settled in Muthur and Thoppoor as “buffers”.
The GOSL is projecting an impression through its media that the physical conquest of Sampoor will ensure the security of Muthur and Trincomalee. The LTTE’s Elilan has warned that such an assumption may be wrong. He has pointed out that the LTTE managed to conduct many successful operations in the past when Sampoor was controlled by the armed forces.
The Mahinda Rajapakse regime is relying solely on military force as the solution for the ethnic problem. Such assumptions can be dangerously wrong. Sadly much blood will have to flow before enlightenment dawns. Whatever the ultimate fate there is no doubt that the beleaguered and oppressed Tamil people will continue to suffer.
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September 4th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Sri Lankan armed forces were poised to overrun the strategic Sampoor area after seizing four adjacent villages in six days of fighting with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil eelam (LTTE)
The armed forces have brought under complete control the villages of Kattaiparichan, Senaiyoor, Ganeshapuram and Ambalnagar after fierce fighting it is learnt. These villages are situated around Sampoor.
With all resident having fled in the face of the security forces assault the newly captured areas are virtually devoid of human life other than the LTTE .
The armed forces renewed fighting on Thursday Aug 31st after a lull on the previous day.
Troops moved forward in three directions.
Security personnel advancing from their positions in Pachanoor reached and consolidated a place called Santhanavattai near the Malligaitheevu junction along the A – 15 road.
Troops also broke out from the Thoppoor and Selvanagar camps and reached Pattiaddy on the Ilakkanthai road.
The main advance was from entrenched positions in Kattaiparichan along the Kottiar bay coast. After overrunning Kattaiparichan completely the armed forces also took the Senaiyoor village and also the agricultural settlements of Ganeshapuram and Ambalnagar.
With these adjacent areas coming under full control of the armed forces , troops have entered areas coming under the Sampoor grama Sevaka division.
Casualty figures for both sides were not available.
Among LTTE losses was the death of a key leader Major. Parani. The security forces reportedly lost an armoured personnel carrier and another armoured heavy vehicle.
The security forces seem to have gained an advantageous position and are now poised to retake Sampoor completely.LTTE cadres ion Sampoor are continuing to offer resistance.
Aerial bombardment, Multi barrel and artillery fire, naval gunboat shelling of the Muthur East region continued.
Army Commander Gen Sarath Fonseka has stated that Sampoor would fall in a few days.
LTTE political commissar for Trincomalee S. Elilan has said that the tigers would not allow Sampoor to be captured by the army.
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September 2nd, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The latest offensive launched by the Sri Lankan security forces to retake the strategic region of Sampoor in the Muthur division of Trincomalee district entered a new phase after four days of fierce fighting. The Sri Lankan army which advanced three, two and one kilometres respectively on three fronts halted its forward movement after two days and began clearing and consolidating newly acquired territory on the third day.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) organization fighting a “defensive” war for the past few days withdrew from entrenched positions on at least one front and was keenly strengthening its defences according to re-demarcated positions on the third day. Though the intensity of fighting had decreased on Wednesday 30th in terms of ground skirmishes both sides continued to exchange artillery and mortar fire.
Despite the comparative “lull” on Aug 30th in fighting due to the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) halting forward movement on ground and the LTTE withdrawing from earlier positions the battle had by no means ended. It seemed certain that the security forces would relentlessly continue advancing towards Sampoor after a “breather” and would not stop until the target region was captured and consolidated. The LTTE strategy for now appeared to be offering stiff resistance in spite of moving backward.
Aug 31st or the fourth day of fighting saw hostilities erupting on a major scale as troops began moving out from two points. The LTTE began resisting fiercely. Though full details were not available at the time of writing this article preliminary reports indicated that fighting was intense and long drawn out.
After days of artillery shelling and aerial bombardment a major three – pronged military offensive was launched in the early hours of Monday August 28th morning.The ground based military thrust was accompanied by aerial bombardment, artillery fire and naval gunboat shelling.
Three advances were made within 30 minutes of each from Mahindapuram, Pachanoor and Thoppoor The first which began at 3.30 am from the Mahindapuram army camp was apparently a “dummy” manouevre intending to distract enemy attention. Soldiers proceeded in virtually the opposite direction of Sampoor towards Poomarathaduchenai. Troops returned to base after intermittent exchanges of fire for about 2 hours.
The first major advance began around 4.00 am from the Pachanoor camp. Troops made their way through Kilathimunai and proceeded in the general direction towards Sampoor.The objective seemed to be that of following a less used dirt road that reaches a point between Senaiyoor South and Nallur north. Senaiyoor is adjacent to Sampoor.
The second major advance began at about 4. 30 am from the army camp at Thoppoor. Troops began moving towards Pallimunai enroute to Sampoor.This road would have taken the troops via Pallikkudiyiruppu to Pattalipuram. Another change of direction from there would take the forces to Senaiyoor. As stated before Senaiyoor is adjacent to Sampoor.
Naval gunboats along the coast of Ilakkanthai began shelling the Muthur East littoral region as troops moved out on land.Ilakkanthai is also adjacent to Sampoor along the coast.
Artillery shells were fired regularly from the camps at Kattaiparichan, Selvanagar and Thoppoor towards the Muthur East hinterland region while artillery fire continued from Mahindapuram towards Poomarathadichenai and its environs.
The Naval base at the Trincomalee harbour and army camp at Monkeys Bridge began firing long range artillery as well as Multi – barrel rocket launchers along the Kottiaar bay towards the Sampoor coast.
Aerial bombardment was also on with Kfirs and Migs flying regular bombing sorties . These planes had been bombing the Tamil majority Muthur East and Eechilampattru – Verugal regions on and off from April 25th onwards.Likewise artillery and rocket fire too had been directed towards Muthur East on many occasions in the past. The region had been a target long before the Maavilaaru crisis erupted.The idea was to bomb and shell the civilians into leaving the region.
Tiger cadres engaged advancing troops in the general area of Thoppoor at the crack of dawn. Fierce fighting ensued for several hours and subsided only in the evening. LTTE fighters also blocked the advance of troops from Pachanoor in the Kilathimunai area.
According to agency reports at least 13 soldiers were killed on the first day.. Many were wounded with 79 being hospitalised. 49 were admitted to Trincomalee and 30 to Polonnaruwa hospitals respectively.
LTTE casualties on the first day were unclear but tiger defence spokesman Irasiah Ilanthiraiyan claimed that they had suffered three dead and five injured. Defence officials claimed that at many more tigers were killed.
Ilanthiraiyan also charged that twenty Tamil civilians were killed and twenty – six seriously injured in aerial bombardment and artillery shelling. With the LTTE controlled Muthur East and Eechilampattru areas being cut off from the rest of the Country the LTTE remains the only source of information about the extent of civilian casualties.
The second day of fighting on Tuesday August 29th saw the armed forces break out at first light from three positions again. Apart from Pachanoor and Thoppoor troops began advancing from the Kattaiparichan camp. This is along the Koddiar bay coast like Sampoor.
Only two villages Senaiyoor and Kadatkaraichenai are between Kattaiparichan and Sampoor.While the army and navy have camps in Kattaiparichan not all areas in the east of the area are under Govt Control. A substantial portion of Kattaiparichan is a virtual no man’s land.
The second days assault also saw the armed forces using a large number of tanks and armoured cars. The ground based advances were accompanied by the “usual suspects” – Aerial bombardment, Artillery fire and Naval gunboat shelling.
The second day saw the LTTE suffering some reversals. On the Pachanoor front the LTTE positions were fortified at a point near a jungle stream. After fierce fighting the tigers retreated across the stream and began engaging in mortar fire. On the Thoppoor front the LTTE managed to restrict the troops from advancing too far beyond Forward Defence lines.
On the third front at Kattaiparichan the armed forces moved across no mans land and began fighting the LTTE near its positions along a bridge. After intense warfare the LTTE retreated behind the bridge. Thereafter artillery exchanges commenced.
The second day’s fighting saw the armed forces losing only about six or seven men. Many were wounded Some succumbed to injuries later. The LTTE suffered heavier losses. At least 18 tigers were killed and 28 injured. Mercifully there seemed to be no civilian casualties.
The third day of strife on Aug 30th saw a marked drop in the intensity of fighting. With the armed forces suspending all attempts to advance on ground the LTTE too did not engage the troops. The army began clearing and consolidating the areas they had gained. Troops began clearing landmines,booby traps etc and constructing bunkers and trenches.
The LTTE did not make any attempt to launch counter attacks. Both sides engaged in sporadic artillery and mortar fire. There were some casualties on either side.Heavy artillery fire from camps or long range fire from Trincomalee coast or aerial bombardment did not take place.
Naval gunboats continued to patrol the Sampoor coast and occasionally shelled the coastal areas.. The navy claimed to have destroyed a tiger boat coming from Verugal off Ilakkanthai. The LTTE has denied it.
Aug 31st or the fourth day saw fighting erupt with a vengeance. Security forces moved out of two positions from the Pachanoor and Kattaiparichan fronts. There was no forward movement from the Thoppoor front.The LTTE began resisting. Both sides engaged in incessant artillery and mortar fire.The LTTE claimed to have destroyed a battle tank on the Pachanoor front.
Artillery and aerial attacks also continued. Though no civilian casualties were reported so far the cumulative aerial and artillery attacks seem to have virtually destroyed 12 villages.
At Kattaiparichan the tigers went back another 500 to 600 metres from their earlier position. Kattaiparichan is about 6 km from Sampoor.It is said that Special Force commandoes have been deployed along the Kattaiparichan front.
In terms of casualties the armed forces reportedly suffered severely on the fourth day.Though concrete details are not available it appeared that the security forces suffered more casualties on the fourth day than in three days of earlier fighting.
After four days of fighting the armed forces seemed to have made some territorial gains. At Kattaiparichan they have advanced about three km . At Pachanoor they have advanced about two km while at Thoppoor the security forces have moved about a km forward. They were in the process of consolidating these gains and seem confident of retaining these despite the setbacks on the fourth day.
Both the security forces and tigers seemed to have lost about 20 to 25 each in the first three days of fighting. The Govt said that more than 90 LTTE have been killed while the tigers say around 60 soldiers have been killed. As far as injured persons are concerned the armed forces figure after three days were in the range of 110 – 125 while the LTTE suffered about 50 to 60 wounded.
Yet reports about the fourth day of fighting indicated that the armed forces had incurred a great deal of casualties.Figures however were not available. Likewise LTTE figures too were not available. The fighting continued even into the night with both sides firing barrage after barrage of artillery and mortar fire. Speculatively both sides may have reached a three digit number in terms of deaths it is felt.
The war afflicted region has undergone severe destruction due to aerial and artillery attacks.With these attacks intensifying Tamil civilians in the region got terrified. .Realising that a major onslaught to capture Sampoor was to be launched frightened civilians began fleeing again. The shelling and bombing expedited this fearful flight.
Many people made it over the river to Batticaloa district. These new arrivals are housed at schools in Kathiraveli and Paatsenai temporarily. .Some other fleeing civilians were not lucky. Even as they tried to cross the Ilankaithurai – Muhathuvaram causeway an aerial attack ensued on Saturday Aug 26th. Two people were killed and five injured. The aerial attack on people at Ilankaithuraimuhathuvaaram made many turn back.
They returned and took up refuge at Pattalipuram. Aerial bombardment on Aug 28th saw a group of civilians being hit at Pattalipuram.. Of the 20 civilians killed and 26 injured on Aug 28th the bulk of casualties was at Pattalipuram.
With hospitals in the area being dysfunctional and transport options restricted it was the LTTE’s medical unit which attended to these victims. Another two wounded civilians died later. It is reported that lack of medical facilities has affected wounded civilians badly.However no further civilan casualties were reported after the first day.
Despite the occasional “lulls” fighting is likely to continue intermittently because the Government intends wresting control of Sampoor on the South of Kottiaar bay from the LTTE.Sampoor is of strategic importance as it affords the LTTE a vantage point to fire long range artillery targetting Trincomalee and China Bay across the Kottiar bay.The tigers have fired artillery quite a few times in the past causing a paralysis of Trincomalee harbour.
Though the fight “formally” commenced on Monday Sampoor has for long remained a prize target of the security forces. Sampoor was consolidated and fortified as a marine base by the LTTE after the ceasefire of Feb 23rd 2002. The opening of new littoral bases and the acquisition of long range artillery by the LTTE added much strategic importance to Sampoor lying on the South of Kottiaar bay.With Trincomalee harbour being only about 13 nautical miles away it is possible to target it effectively from the Sampoor coast. It is also possible to send invading flotillas across.
The new hardline dispensation under Mahinda Rajapakse treated Sampoor as a matter of urgent priority. While Mahinda cooed “peace” like a dove the hawkish clique around him went ahead with plans to retake Sampoor militarily.All pretence was off and the Govt began announcing its intention of retaking Sampoor .Preparations for a military onslaught were underfoot with men and materials being relocated to camps in the Muthur region.
When the four co – chairs of the peace process urged a cessation of conflict President Rajapakse emphasised that Sampoor would have to come under Military control and that a personal guarantee from LTTE chief Velupillai Pirapakaran was necessary.When the LTTE offered to “de – militarise” Sampoor and retain control Rajapakse rejected the proposal. “Do you want me to give Sampoor to the LTTE” he thundered.The days prior to the offensive saw a renewed attack on the Muthur East and Eechilampatru region controlled by the LTTE.
The ceasefire agreement has been observed in the breach by both parties. The Maavilaaru, Muthur, Muhamaalai and Mandaitheevu battles have made a mockery of Sec 1. 2 of the CFA.
1.2 Neither Party shall engage in any offensive military operation. This requires the total cessation of all military action and includes, but is not limited to, such acts as :
a)The firing of direct and indirect weapons, armed raids, ambushes, assassinations, abductions, destruction of civilian or military property, sabotage, suicide missions and activities by deep penetration units;
b) Aerial bombardment:
c) Offensive naval operations
Recent events have proved that this important clause is in tatters now.
If and when the security forces capture and consolidate Sampoor it would be unambiguously clear that Colombo has acted in contravention of the CFA. Already the LTTE is making noises about the consequences of “conquering” Sampoor. But the Rajapakse regime is on a “military” upbeat and will relentlessly push towards Sampoor.The fall of Sampoor could make the LTTE react with a new vehemence. Also a victory at Sampoor could make Colombo go in for more and more operations.
.Sections of the Defence establishment have tried to camouflage the current offensive as a “humanitarian” exercise aimed at re-settling displaced Muslims in Selvanagar and Thoppoor. Others have said that it is a limited strike aiming to spike the LTTE artillery battery at Sampoor.
But Army commander Sarath Fomseka has been frank and forthright. He stated explicitly in an interview that the security forces intended establishing control over Muthur, Kattaiparichan, Thoppoor and Sampoor .When the LTTE launched the Muthur offensive the tigers had for nearly three days dominated the coastal stretch between Muthur and Sampoor on the Southern side of Kottiyaar bay. Now the Govt wants control of the same coastal stretch for security reasons.
Given Sarath Fonseka’s hardline approach there is no doubt that he means what he says. It was Fonseka who refused to dismantle the high security zones in Jaffna as stipulated in the ceasefire. Against that backdrop there is a strong possibility that a high security zone would be established here too.
If everything goes well for Colombo it could bring the entire coastal stretch ranging from Muthur Jetty to Sampoor – Ilakkanthai under its control. Securing the coastline is the only effective way to protect Trincomalee from possible LTTE attacks. In order to retain effective control of the Muthur – Sampoor littoral a substantial portion of its hinterland should be under control too. This means a massive high security zone is needed as in the north.
In Jaffna the Palaly – Myliddy – Kankesanthurai base complex is of key importance to retain control of the peninsula. So a large high security zone encompassing much of Valigamam North AGA division has been created. The people of the area have been expelled and are forbidden to return. LImited access is allowed to attend a few places of worship. For all practical purposes the area has been de-populated of its rightful owners and interlopers in military uniform have taken over in the name of security. It is a brutal form of “ethnic cleansing”.
This is exactly what is likely to happen in Muthur East if and when the army takes over Sampoor. The aerial and artillery attacks have led to most civilians fleeing the coastline. Once the tigers are “routed” there would be no impediment to setting up a high security zone. The Muslim people would be settled in the borders of this high security zone as an effective “buffer”. The Tamil people of the area will have to relocate elsewhere or be permanent refugees.
This conclusion seems inevitable unless the Sinhala people of goodwill and/or the International community is able to restrain “gung ho” Mahinda and his cohorts. If this does not happen the LTTE would try and resist these manouevres. The important question is whether the LTTE will be able to do so successfully notwithstanding pugnacious statements by Trinco political Commissar Elilan and tiger spokesman on defence affairs Ilanthiraiyan.
At present the LTTE is offering stiff resistance with Trincomalee Special commander “Col” Sornam personally overseeing Sampoor defences. Batticaloa special commander “Col” Bhanu is at the Verugal – Vaharai zone attending to logistics and supervising the defence operations there. “Col” Jeyam is in Batticaloa “acting” for Bhanu Supplies to Sampoor are being done through the narrow coastal strip from Verugal to Sampoor. There is also the marine route from Verugal to Sampoor.
The LTTE has not deployed any additional cadres from the North or even used its much feared sea tigers. The tigers have also refrained from using their long range artillery in Sampoor. The LTTE is only fighting with “local” cadres from Trincomalee and Batticaloa. About two brigades of 600 each are in the frontlines. Two other brigades are kept for logistics and as reserves in the Sampoor region.
The security forces are now launching a three – pronged land offensive to secure Sampoor. It appears that only about 1500 – 2000 personnel are involved If they find it difficult to dislodge the tigers in the days to come then Colombo will surely deploy more troops and armaments. This is what happened in Maavilaaru and Muthur. After initial reversals the Govt pumped in more men and materials thereby overwhelming the tigers who were relatively weaker in this respect.
If the pressure increases on any or all of the three fronts opened it could only be a matter of days before the LTTE is compelled to retreat from Sampoor unless additional cadres and armaments are brought in from the North. The chances of getting further reinforcements from Batticaloa – Amparai are slim because the Eastern tigers are not in a position of strength. Besides the Govt can also change track and move in towards Sungankuli – Ilankaithuraimhathuvaaram coastal region from the interior and interdict supply lines from Verugal to Sampoor.
Apart from the non – induction of men and materials from the North another feature of the current fighting is that the LTTE is simply fighting defensively. It has not launched any counter – offensive or even counter – strike . In the early stages of the Maavilaaru confrontation the tigers struck swiftly at Muthur. It would be easy even now for the tigers to launch a counter strike behind enemy lines from places like Iraalkuli, Naavatkudah or Mallikaitheevu. Instead the tigers are fighting only what seems to be a rear guard action.
Sarath Fonseka confidently asserts that Sampoor would fall in the next few days. If the forces pump in more men and materials and continue exerting pressure the Sampoor pappadam may very well crumble. If the LTTE wants to hold on to Sampoor then additional reinforcements from the North are needed. A counter -strike is imperative. Otherwise Sampoor would surely fall in a matter of weeks if not days. A tiger withdrawal would be inevitable.
Related: Armed Forces seize four villages around Sampur
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September 1st, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The long awaited military push towards the strategically important Sampoor along the Kottiaar bay in Muthur East commenced on Monday August 28th.
Initial reports said that at least 36 persons were killed and 110 injured after the first day’s fighting. The break down was twenty civilians, thirteen soldiers and three tigers killed while the injured persons figure was 79 soldiers, 26 civilians and 05 tigers.
After days of artillery shelling and aerial bombardment a major three – pronged military offensive was launched in the early hours of Monday August 28th morning.The ground based military thrust was accompanied by aerial bombardment, artillery fire and naval gunboat shelling.
Three advances were made within 30 minutes of each from Mahindapura, Pachanoor and Pallimunai The first which began at 3.30 am from the Mahindapura army camp was apparently a “dummy” manouevre intending to distract enemy attention. Troops returned to base after intermittent exchanges of fire for about 2 hours.
The first major advance began around 4.00 am from the Pachanoor camp. Troops made their way through Kilathimunai and proceeded in the general direction towards Sampoor.
The second major advance began at about 4. 30 am from the army camp at Pallimunai. Troops began moving towards Thoppoor enroute to Sampoor.
Naval gunboats along the coast of Ilakkanthai began shelling the Muthur East littoral region.
Multi barrel rocket launchers and artillery shells were fired regularly from the camps at Kattaiparichan, Selvanagar and Mahindapura towards the Muthur East hinterland region.
Aerial bombardment was also on with Kfirs and Migs flying regular bombing sorties .
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres engaged advancing troops in the general area of Thoppoor at the crack of dawn. Fierce fighting ensued for several hours and subsided only in the afternoon.
According to agency reports at least 13 soldiers were killed. Many were wounded with 79 being hospitalised. 49 were admitted to Trincomalee and 30 to Polonnaruwa hospitals respectively.
LTTE casualties on the first day were unclear but tiger defence spokesman Irasiah Ilanthiraiyan claimed that they had suffered three dead and five injured. Defence officials claimed that at least 90 tigers were killed.
Ilanthiraiyan also charged that twenty Tamil civilians were killed and twenty – six seriously injured in aerial bombardment and artillery shelling. With the LTTE controlled Muthur East and Eechilampattru areas being cut off from the rest of the Country the LTTE remains the only source of information about the extent of casualties.
On the basis of available information it is believed that at 36 persons have been killed and 110 wounded in the first day of fighting.
Hostilities are expected to continue for in the days to come as the Government intends wresting control of Sampoor to the South of Kottiaar bay from the LTTE.
Sampoor is of strategic importance as it affords the LTTE a vantage point to fire long range artillery targetting Trincomalee and China Bay across the Kottiar bay.The tigers have fired artillery quite a few times in the past causing a paralysis of Trincomalee harbour.
Army Commander Sarath Fonseka has stated that the security forces intend capturing Sampoor and retain control of the area along with Muthur, Kattaiparichan and Thoppoor to effectively safeguard Trincomalee.
President Mahinda Rajapakse has rejected an offer by the LTTE to de – militarise Sampoor and reportedly announced that he would not allow Sampoor to be in the hands of the LTTE.
Latest reports from Trincomalee stated that fighting had begun yesterday Aug 29th too but casualty figures and other details were mot available.
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August 29th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The 25 member European Union seems set to list the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) as a terrorist organization. The EU technical committee has already made a recommendation to this effect. The 700 member EU parliament has passed a unanimous resolution calling for a freeze of LTTE assets and finances in Europe. The travel ban on LTTE already in force has been duly recognized. Member states have been asked to do away with the illegal taxation conducted by the LTTE among the Tamil Diaspora. More importantly a total proscription is being actively considered.
The LTTE is already proscribed in India, USA, Britain and Canada as a terrorist organization. In Australia some restrictions are in force. The travel ban and proposed freeze could hamper the movement considerably. A formal listing could affect the LTTE more in Europe.
The Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora is widely scattered among European Countries. It is of sizeable numbers in Britain, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Ireland. The EU listing will not affect Switzerland and Norway who are not members. But it could have repercussions in other Countries.
The LTTE relies heavily on the Tamil Diaspora for finance and propaganda. It is unrealistic to expect that all tiger fund raising and propaganda would cease because of the ban. But it could certainly diminish and even become less strident.Also the intended freezing of tiger assets may not be easily feasible because the LTTE does not have anything under its own name.
It is also pertinent to note that despite bans in the USA and Britain pro – tiger activity has not ceased. It has become low profile but has not ended. If there is acommitted and dedicated group willing to take risks and public support is forthcoming then it would be hard to do away with the LTTE. The prevention of Terrorism Act did not eradicate Tamil militancy. It only enhanced it.
What is more important is the symbolism and optics. The Sri Lankan state could depict the ban as a victory for its war against LTTE “Terrorism”. It could seek to undermine the Tamil national struggle as being “terroristic”. The Sinhala hawks could be encouraged by this to pursue the military war more vigorously.
On the other hand an already paranoid LTTE may regard the “world” as incurably hostile to them , quit the peace process and resume full scale fighting.
“The more the international community alienates the LTTE, the more the LTTE will be compelled to tread a hardline individualist path,” warned LTTE chief negotiator and political strategist Anton Balasingham in an interview to the “Tamilnet”.
For at least two years, the Sri Lankan state has been waging a ’shadow war’ against the LTTE, . Balasingham pointed out. “This shadow war has now transformed into a low-intensity war.”
“Emboldened by international support, and especially by further proscriptions of the LTTE, the Sinhala hardline elements will undoubtedly take steps to further escalate the violence and precipitate a war in which they hope to destroy the LTTE,” he said. “If this happens, the LTTE will be compelled to resist.”
“As such [an EU ban] is not going to help bring about peace, [but] will only serve to exacerbate the conditions of war and endanger the lives of Tamil civilians entrapped by Sinhala occupation forces,” Mr. Balasingham further said.
In a situation where the EU ban is being mooted as pressure aiming to bring the LTTE to the negotiating table the LTTE ideologue was constrained to point out that the opposite may happen. Instead of promoting peace it may promote war he points out.
Much as one understands Balasingham’s reasons for articulating this point of view one does wish that he had not expressed it in the way he did. For one thing it strengthens the anti – LTTE accusation that the tigers are warmongers. It also sounds “funny” in a sense because the LTTE itself has been engaging in acts that amount to an undeclared war. The tigers are not in a position to be concerned about war when they themselves are promoting it in stages.
Even more important is the fact that these are matters that should not have been dealt with through the media. Instead of releasing a statement to the “Tamilnet” Balasingham could have made urgent representations to the EU. Instead of bringing it into public domain he could have confined it to the private sphere at least from the LTTE side of things.
What happens in situations like this where the LTTE point of view is communicated publicly is that a tendency of playing to the gallery emerges. The target audience becomes the Tamil people instead of the EU. Communicating through media becomes very often a case of talking at rather than talking to the other pary.
Another negative aspect is that when conflicting positions are made public the sides involved reach a level from which they cannot budge. Any comporomise could be seen as caving in and so losing face. Compromises and flexibility that are possible in private discussions are impossible in public debates.
In the aftermath of Balasingham’s statement it may not be possible for the EU to backtrack even if it wanted to do so. Likewise the LTTE too will find iy difficult to reverse its stance after publicising it. It was this proclivity to go public that complicated LTTE – SLMM relations in recent times. Effective diplomacy is usually quiet. It does not need the media megaphone.
The decision to impose restrictions on the LTTE is based on the EU thinking that the LTTE has engaged in violence, endangered peace and needs to be pressured into participating in talks. It is certainly trues that the LTTE is guilty to some extent in all these. But what saddens and troubles many Tamils (not necessarily “Tiger” Tamils) is the impression that the EU has not been even handed in this.
The text of the resolution reveals a clear contrast. The faults of the LTTE are censured harshly but the faults of the Government are given soft treatment. Even more so is the specific reference to President Mahinda Rajapakse. It is as if Mahinda is striving hard to rise above petty differences and deserves support. The EU displays much ignorance about what is really happening in Sri Lanka.
Mahinda Rajapakse’s security forces and the alternative armed groups aligned to them are also involved in violence. Much of this is against Innocent civilians. The President is complicit in this because no one from the security forces or paramilitaries has been penalised so far. [Photo: Families from the islets have sought refuge in the St. Philips Church following the 13th Saturday Allaipiddy assassinations - TamilNet]
Rajapakse promises justice and commissions of inquiry but nothing concrete is done. This shows that the Government condones such activity. It seems as if the Government is encouraging these acts through its inaction to check or punish those involved. There is a climate of impunity prevailing. For this Rajapakse bears full responsibility. The EU resolution not only ignores this but actually glosses over it and portrays Mahinda in a positive light.
The Rajapakse regime has also bombed and shelled civilians indiscriminately after attacks by the LTTE. This is openly acknowledged to be part of its etaliatory strategy. Innocent Tamil civilians are made to bear vicarious responsibility for the alleged acts of the LTTE. Collective punishment is being inflicted on the Tamil people as a whole. Yet the EU does not seem concerned about this negative aspect at all when it gives a clean chit to Rajapakse.
The EU attitude is most disappointing to say the least from a Tamil civilian perspective. Innocent Tamil civilians are being killed, abducted and jailed. It is this government and its agents who are responsible. Yet there is no open criticism of the Government for this. There is no sympathy shown towards the plight of innocent civilians.The LTTE certainly deserves censure but so does the Government. The EU has erred badly in overlooking that aspect.
Such partiality can strengthen Sinhala hawks like Rajapakse further.Already some Sinhala hardliners are cock – a – hoop with glee about the proposed EU listing. Pro – tiger media is lamenting the fact and pushing the line that with the International Community turning against Tamils the LTTE will have no choice other than to fight. Tamils are being exhorted to rally around the tigers.
What is sad in this scenario is to see how the LTTE has lost within three months the advantages gained through participating at the Geneva talks in February this year. The Mahinda Rajapakse regime through some unethical yet adroit manouevres managed to outsmart the LTTE and erode the advantahe gained. The LTTE through some hasty, ill – advised acts has squandered its advantage away and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
The LTTE was in bad shape “diplomatically” in January this year. The consequences of three major blunders was having its effect. The three blunders as stated in these columns on March 12th were the Lakshman Kadirgamar assassination, enforced boycott of Presidential elections and escalation of violence against the security forces in the name of the people.
The European Union had already imposed a “travel ban” on the LTTE after the Kadirgamar assassination. The LTTE was being put on probation. Its conduct was to determine any future course of action the EU could take. A full ban was very much on the cards when the LTTE enforced a boycott and stepped up violence.
The LTTE however had a fairy Godfather. Norwegian special peace envoy Erik Solheim campaigned valiantly for a reprieve through the good offices of Nordic Countries in the EU. Solheim also managed to persuade the LTTE into attending the Geneva talks on February 22nd and 23rd.
Doing so helped the LTTE come out of the international dog house. The LTTE was once again being perceived as a credible partner in the peace process.
The talks focussed on the ceasefire and the violence threatening to disrupt it. An agreement was reached where both sides agreed to end it. The Government agreed to end Tamil paramiltary violence in Government controlled areas and disarm the groups. The LTTE agreed to control violence done by Tamil civilian forces.
Both sides had been arguing earlier that both types of violence were being committed by independent parties. They had no part in this they said. The Geneva agreement was a tacit admission that both sides were capable of controlling the respective types of violence.
At face value the LTTE had gained a victory. The tigers had presented details of the Tamil paramilitaries in each North – Eastern district. The Government was now obligated to crack down on the groups. If that happened the LTTE would have won without firing a shot.
But the Colombo regime had some dirty tricks up its sleeve. The problems started when the LTTE delegation landed at Katunayake. The luggage was ransacked. Catalogues of weapons were depicted as contraband and held up for hours. Heavy duty was imposed on some items brought by the tigers. A big fuss was made in accommodating a woman LTTE member on a helicopter. She had fallen sick and required a quick ride. Even more was the humiliation when media carried stories of this treatment.
Then came the rebuttals. Government personalities and eminent lawyers went on record arguing against what had been agreed upon in Geneva. The Army commander said that no paramilitaries were in existence in Govt controlled areas. The Governments position was that it was required to take action only if such a phenomenon existed. Since there were none “officially” nothing further was required.
This act of denial was accompanied by an ironic development. LTTE cadres and supporters were attacked by Tamil paramilitaries in the North and East. But the state was keeping mum. The International community(IC) was lukewarm. An assurance was given earlier that the IC would exert pressure on Colombo to disarm the Tamil groups. But nothing firm was being done. Incidently the IC that was indignant about the Kadirgamar killing was less than concerned about the horrific murder of Joseph Pararajasingham in Church during Christmas mass.
Another irritant was the refusal of the Government to provide helicopter transport to LTTE Eastern commanders to go to Kilinochchi for consultations with the tiger leader. It was true that Colombo was not legally required to provide such transport. But it was a courtesy that could have been extended without a big fuss. This angered the LTTE further.
Thereafter comenced an absurd drama. Instead of offering the simple choice of direct helicopter transport Colombo was coming up with bizarre offers to demonstrate to the world that they were being flexible/ Private aircraft, sea boats, sea planes etc were offered in stages. The tigers played into Government hands by seemingly agreeing and disagreeing. It was really funny to see all these efforts going on instead of deciding on the easy option of using Govt helicopters.
While these moves were on major violence erupted. The state drew blood when assassins from the Karuna faction lodged in EPDP offices in Trincomalee shot dead Trincomalee TNA political leader Vanniyasingham Vigneswaram. The tigers could have utilised the murder politically by pressurising the IC. Instesd of that the LTTE once again resorted to attacking security forces through claymore mines. When one exploded in the market killing civilians of all communities Sinhala – speaking mobs unleashed calculated violence against Tamil civilians. Security forces did not prevent it.
The next LTTE blunder was the suicide bomber attack on military headquarters which killed nine and injured twenty – seven including the Army commander. The Government retaliated by bombing and shelling civilian areas. But it rationalised the attack by saying only LTTE positions were targetted. This was bunkum but the SLMM and IC seemed to buy the explanation. Meanwhile the tigers came in for much criticism for the suicide bomber attack.
Fresh efforts were made to get the EU ban the LTTE. But the Scandinavian factor helped the tigers. A ban could result in monitoring activity being affected. Finland, Sweden and Denmark were monitoring nations. So the LTTE got a reprieve again.
Then came two colossal mistakes by the LTTE. First was the announcement that the tigers would not attend talks again until the state implemented what was agreed upon in Geneva earlier. Whatever the problems the LTTE should have never abandoned talks. Participating at talks was the way to keep the IC wolf at bay.
The second was the friction with the SLMM and attack on the naval flotilla.The LTTE’s “tactical” friends were the SLMM in this bleak scenario. But LTTE political Commissar sent three undiplomatic, intimidatory letters to the SLMM demanding that they do not accompany navy ships. Then came the attack off Point Pedro where the lives of two monitors were endangered.
Instead of being apologetic the LTTE summoned the SLMM chief and ticked him off. They also issued an ultimatum. Earlier the LTTE had treated both facilitator Norway and the SLMM shabbily by refusing to meet with then. The facilitators as well as the monitors were cheesed off with the tigers. The IC was fully backing the SLMM. An insult to the SLMM was an insult to the International Community.
The Government on the other hand handled its cards well. If the name of the game was “talk while you are killing and kill while you are talking” Colombo played it well It began to campaign ardently for a ban on the LTTE. Colombo was clever enough to say that the ban was only a device to exert pressure on the LTTE to attend talks. The IC bought into that argument.
The early years of the ceasefire saw the IC being extra lenient towards the LTTE on the basis that “carrots” were necessary to keep the tigers in the peace process. But now the thinking seemed to be that the “stick”was needed to force the LTTE into talks. The Sri Lankan Government adroitly pushed this line whih was swallowed hook, line and sinker by the IC.
The paradox in this was that it was the LTTE which would have been on top politico – diplomatically at the second round of Geneva talks. It was the Government that had gone back on its assurances first. The tigers could have exercised patience and driven that point home. It was in the LTTE’s interest to go to Geneva again instead of vacillating.
Unfortunately the LTTE resorted to its familiar method of violence. The tigers are reluctant and impatient to follow acceptable, non – violent , democratic methods of protesting or negotiating. They prefer to hit hard as they believe that force is the answer to everything. As a result the LTTE has lost its moral ascendancy and advantages gained in Geneva.
Complicating matters further is the total absence of tactful diplomacy. The “gung ho” letters sent to the SLMM in the name of Thamilselvan are monumental disasters. The statements released on behalf of the LTTE are often drafted in bombastic fashion. The purpose seems to be that of titillating its irresponsible, jingoistic expatriate supporters rather than conveying its viewpoint clearly with credibility.
Diplomacy is a fine art and in the sphere of international relations every word , phrase and sentence need to be drafted carefully. The nuances are very important. The SLMM respone to the LTTE letters show a lack of communication between both sides. The points made could have been effectively put forward if careful craftmanship went into formulating the missives.
The LTTE has a vast resevoir of talented and qualified Tamils to draw on. There are many ex – diplomats and academics with a background in international relations among Tamil expatriates. The LTTE would do well to consult them or make use of their professional input.
Even now the situation is not irreversible. War is not the sole option. If the LTTE transplants the Maoist dictum of “one step backwards two steps forward” into the politico – diplomatic sphere it has a chance of turning things around.
Firstly it has to swallow some humble “kanji” by apologising sincerely to the SLMM and Norway and withdrawing its demands made of the monitors. The LTTE must guarantee SLMM security and SL Navy security.The tigers must reconcile with the SLMM and Norway.
Secondly it must announce that it is ready to participate in Geneva. The Government and sections of the media may ridicule the LTTE as having caved into EU pressure. But the tigers should not heed it too much. The main thing is to demonstrate to the IC that the LTTE is a credible negotiating partner capable of staying the course.
Thirdly tigers can focus attention on the pathetic plight of Tamil civilians. The bombings, shellings , assassinations and civilian massacres etc. The conscience of the IC should be stirred. This of course requires a reduction if not abstention of violence by the LTTE.
There is also another aspect which if followed could turn the tables on Rajapakse. The LTTE could take the fight to Rajapakse politically by announcing that it is prepared to negotiate with the Government on a federal solution. The tigers must set up a time frame. If the LTTE does that the Rajapakse regime would be exposed. Given the Sinhala “hardline” ideology that sustains this government an invitation to transform the unitary to federal would create terrible fissures within its ranks.
The LTTE may have found it difficult to portray the Governments of Chandrika Kumararunga or Ranil Wickremasinghe as being anti – peace or anti – Tamil. But exposing the Rajapakse regime is being unable or unwilling to accept Tamil rights should be easy. For this the LTTE should challenge Rajapakse politically by entering negotiations even as a tactic. Going in for war can only alienate the tigers further from the IC. It would indeed be a sad day for Tamils if the LTTE fails to expose the true colours of this regime.
Let me conclude this piece with a quote from Randolph Bourne. It was cited recently in an editorial in “The Island”.”Diplomacy is a disguised war, in which states seek to gain by barter and intrigue, by the cleverness of arts, the objectives of which they would have to gain more clumsily by means of war”. The LTTE needs to review and revise its politico – diplomatic strategy urgently.
Related:
- [europal.eu] European Parliament resolution on the situation in Sri Lanka
- E.U. may decide to list LTTE as ‘terrorist’ by Friday
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Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
May 20th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The European Parliament with 700 Members has in a unanimous resolution recommended a total freeze on LTTE assets in all its Member States.
The resolution while reiterating its earlier decision of imposing a travel ban also stated that it was actively considering the formal listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation in the EU.
” Recognises that the EU has declared that delegations from the LTTE will no longer be received in any of the EU Member States until further notice, and that the EU is actively considering the formal listing of the LTTE as a terrorist organisation;” it said.
The Resolution called on the European Commission and Member States to freeze the assets of the LTTE associated bank accounts, holdings, companies or undertakings in the twenty – five member states of the European Union.
” Calls on the Commission and the Member States, as part of this process, to follow the example of other countries and to freeze the assets of the LTTE-associated bank accounts, holdings, companies or undertakings in Member States of the European Union” the resolution said.
It also called on the EU Member States to do everything in their capacity to stop all illegal attempts by the LTTE to uphold a system of forced taxation among sections of the Tamil community living in the European Union.
The resolution said that the EU ” Calls on the EU Member States to do everything in their capacity in order to stop all illegal attempts by the LTTE to uphold a system of forced taxation among sections of the Tamil community living in the European Union”
The EU has also censured the LTTE for pulling out of the Geneva talks.
Meanwhile the EU has issued a formal press statement on the resolution. Excerpts of that release are given below:
In its resolution on Sri Lanka, Parliament (EU) strongly welcomes the move by the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to return to the negotiating table in February, and condemns, therefore, the LTTE’s unilateral refusal to participate in the second round of negotiations in Geneva that were scheduled for April 2006. It urgently calls on the LTTE to resume peace negotiations with the Government of Sri Lanka without delay, to be prepared to decommission its weapons and to set the stage for a final political settlement of the conflict. It severely condemns the renewed campaign of attacks by the LTTE, the high level of human rights violations committed by both sides and the constant breaches of the ceasefire agreement.
MEPs deplore the gross violations of the Ceasefire Agreement by the LTTE through actions at sea, in particular the attack of 11 May on the Sri Lankan naval force, which resulted in many casualties and put SLMM monitors in grave danger. They call on the parties to the Ceasefire Agreement to ensure the security of the SLMM which is an unarmed body invited by both the Government and the LTTE to monitor the Ceasefire
Agreement, in order to allow the mission to fulfil its mandate, and commend the contributing countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, for their invaluable work. They call on both the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka to refrain from further actions liable to jeopardise the peace process, and in particular attacks on civilians.
Parliament condemns the appalling abuse of children through the recruitment of child soldiers, which is a war crime, and calls on all rebel groups and notably the LTTE to stop this practice, to release those it holds and to make a declaration of principle not to recruit any children in the future. It urges the Government of Sri Lanka to put into place legal measures to prevent and criminalise the practice. MEPs recognise that the LTTE does not represent all the Tamil peoples of Sri Lanka and calls on the LTTE to allow for political pluralism and alternate democratic voices in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka which would secure the interests of all peoples and communities. It strongly condemns the particular repression against Tamil language press and Tamil organisations, and calls for a thorough investigation into the murders of Mayilvaganam Nimalarajan and Dharmeratnam Sivaram, as well as the two employees of the newspaper ‘Uthayan’.
Parliament says Sri Lanka’s recent election as a member of the UN Human Rights Council places an obligation on the government to manifest its commitment to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights. It welcomes the announcement of new memebrs of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission and stresses the need for an effective independent investigation into all alleged human rights violations by security forces or armed groups, bringing the perpetrators to justice in accordance with international fair trial standards, and insists that all parties should subscribe to comprehensive human rights agreements as a key element of future peace negotiations.
MEPs urge both sides, as an immediate gesture of goodwill, to cease the use of anti-personnel landmines and to assist in their removal. To this end, the Government of Sri Lanka should set an example by signing the Ottawa Convention and the LTTE should sign the Geneva Call ‘Deed of Commitment’.
Parliament is worried that a deal to share international aid has still not been implemented, and believes that aid sent to Sri Lanka by the EU, and other international donors, in response to the tsunami must benefit the victims of that disaster without regard for their ethnic or religious denomination. It is concerned about the distribution and use of tsunami funds, which have not had the expected impact on the everyday lives of the victims or on Sri Lanka’s recovery. MEPs note that the political gridlock on the ‘Post-Tsunami Operations Management Structure’ has already delayed the release of a further € 50million in aid, hindering reconstruction work in the North and East of Sri Lanka.
Parliament deplores the fact that the demands of heavy defence costs have for many years diverted resources away from urgently needed investments in economic and social infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Finally, it calls on the EU Member States to do everything in their capacity in order to stop all illegal attempts by the LTTE to uphold a system of forced taxation among sections of the Tamil community living in the European Union.
Related:
- [europal.eu] European Parliament resolution on the situation in Sri Lanka
- E.U. may decide to list LTTE as ‘terrorist’ by Friday
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Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
May 18th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Diplomatic circles in Colombo have expressed concern about the brief message sent by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabakharan to Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse through Japanese special peace envoy to Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi.
Though the LTTE leader did not meet Akashi personally the brief “special” message was conveyed verbally to the top Japanese diplomat by tiger political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan at a meeting held in Kilinochchi last week.
After discussions on a number of topics the LTTE handed over to Akashi a detailed memorandum listing various acts of violence allegedly committed by the security forces and Tamil paramilitary groups against the Tamil people after the Geneva summit of February 22nd and 23rd.
Thereafter Thamilselvan informed Akashi that the LTTE supremo had a special message to be conveyed to President Mahinda Rajapakse through the Japanese special envoy.
The message delivered orally was curt. According to diplomatic sources in Colombo the message was something like this
” The Government security forces must stop persecuting the Tamil people of the North – East. They must also stop attacking the LTTE. If this does not stop the suffering Tamil people will rise up against their oppressors. The LTTE too will be compelled to retaliate forcefully. If that happens Sri Lanka will face doom”.
Yasushi Akashi though taken aback by the message promised to convey it to President Rajapakse. Akashi however advised Thamilselvan not to be rash and be patient. He expressed the hope that the situation would improve and that the prospect of war would not materialise.
It is learnt that Thamilselvan requested Akashi to keep details of the message away from the media.
Later when addressing media persons Akashi was asked pointedly whether he had any message from Prabakharan to Rajapakse. Media reports say Akashi said “yes” but declined to reveal the contents.
The message from Kilinochchi was conveyed to President’s House through appropriate channels.
Information about the message was kept secret but gradually details about it emerged among diplomats based in Colombo.
The brief message from the Wanni is causing worry to diplomats against the current backdrop of increasing violence in the North – East.
It is not known whether President Rajapakse has responded directly to the Wanni message. Since it was a verbal message conveyed indirectly through Thamilselvan the President is not expected to do so.
But Rajapakse has told at least one top foreign envoy in Colombo that neither he nor the Government was keen on resuming full scale war. He said that he was keen on ushering in lasting peace.
Rajapakse has denied that the security forces were persecuting the Tamil people or unilaterally attacking the LTTE. The president told the envoy that the security forces were only retaliating when attacked by the tigers directly or through proxies.
What is worrying the diplomats in Colombo is the seeming inability of Rajapakse to comprehend the serious intent behind the verbal message. “He seems unconcerned about the gravity of the situation” observed an embassy official.
While being critical of the LTTE for escalating levels of violence many diplomats seem disappointed about the Government’s “tit for tat” policy. They are worried that Colombo does not have any concrete strategy to resolve the crisis other than to engage in anti – Tiger reprisals that degenerate into anti – Tamil violence.
The message conveyed through Akashi is seen as a serious indicator of the situation worsening badly by diplomatic circles.
“Total War seems imminent. The volcano is going to erupt. But no one in power is listening to the rumbling” said a Western diplomat.
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May 18th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The important three day visit undertaken to New Delhi by Sri Lankan foreign affairs minister Mangala Samaraweera from May 8th to 10th has failed to produce any worthwhile results from a Colombo perspective it is learnt.
Samaraweera in a hectic schedule of eighteen meetings interacted with important Indian leaders and officials including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Foreign secretary Shyam Saran and National security adviser MK Narayanan.
Though news reports in sections of the Sri Lanka media portray the trip as a “smashing success” informed Indian sources said that it was very disappointing from the Sri Lankan end as New Delhi did not comply with any major request made by Colombo.
When Samaraweera tried to explain the Sri Lankan situation to Indian leaders and officials he was informed politely that India was keenly watching developments and was fully aware of what was going on.
When Mangala outlined the steps taken by the Rajapakse regime to counter the perceived LTTE threat he was advised that Colombo should not confine itself to the “here and now” alone but “move beyond” into a meaningful search for a long term solution.
On the question of military assistance to Sri Lanka the Indian position was that they could offer only training facilities to security personnel and supply of non – lethal military equipment. Joint patrolling between both navies was also possible in a non – war situation.
Despite three different requests by Samaraweera that India should sign an Indo – Lanka defence pact with Sri Lanka the Indian side remained polite but non – committal.
Samaraweera explained the reasons for Sri Lanka seeking military assistance from Countries like Pakistan and China. He then asked for Indian assistance in this respect.
India refused to comply but said it had no objections to Colombo getting its supplies from any Country. New Delhi however warned that such dealings should not let any outside agency get a foothold in Sri Lanka that could prove detrimental to Indian interests.Unwarranted intrusion into the South Asian region under the guise of helping Sri Lanka was not welcome it was stated.
Samaraweera replied that Sri Lanka was fully aware of India’s concerns and that extra care would be taken in this to avoid causing irritation or concern to India.
New Delhi also expressed concern about Colombo’s proposal to raise a separate Muslim regiment and about an outside agency allegedly backing the scheme. Given the sensitive security situation in the region this may cause a fresh set of problems it was pointed out.
Samaraweera said that the proposal was only an idea and that it was not likely to materialise.
India also turned down a suggestion by Samaraweera that India should back Colombo’s efforts to exert pressure on the tigers to come for talks by getting the LTTE banned in foreign Countries.
India also reiterated its earlier stance that civilians should not be made to suffer in any action taken against the LTTE by Colombo. Extra care should be taken to protect all civilians in the North – East with particularly Tamils it was emphasised. Protecting Tamil civilians from harm was in the Sri Lankan government’s interests as otherwise they would get progressively estranged it was pointed out.
India also advised Samaraweera that his government should instead of waiting for the LTTE to come for talks initiate unilateral efforts to resolve the crisis.
It was India’s view that the problem could only be solved through a federal or quasi – federal set up in a United Sri Lanka. For this the Government should arrive at a Southern consensus and formulate a broad devolution scheme. Colombo was advised to start forging its own scheme of devolution that was feasible.
Samsraeweera was also told that the Government must work together with the UNP to achieve this consensus.
Mangala in a remarkable “U’ turn informed the Indian side that President Rajapakse despite his adherence to a unitary state in the election manifesto was now willing to explore federalism. He said that the JVP could be persuaded to fall in line in due course.
Samaraweera also agreed to the suggestion that Sri Lanka should cultivate closer ties with Tamil Nadu state in the South.
According to Indian sources the trip was successful to the extent that it enabled Samaraweera to establish contact with a number of key players in India. It was however a failure in another sense because Samaraweera could not get India to agree favourably to the requests made. Moreover India has registered its displeasure of how the Rajapakse regime was mishandling the ethnic problem.
Other:
- Manmohan Singh: First ‘non-Hindu’ PM of India
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May 18th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The European Union (EU) may take a policy decision on Friday May 19th on the question of listing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization said informed diplomatic sources.
According to these sources the decision in Brussels would most probably be that of listing the LTTE as terrorist and proscribing it among the 25 member European Union states.
“The decision seems inevitable. Only a major miracle can reverse or postpone this ” said the diplomatic sources.
Once the policy decision is taken each member state will have to ratify it. Thereafter each EU state could bring in specific legislation individually if it wished so to ban the LTTE within the Country concerned. This legislation would define the rules and regulations governing the conduct of a listed organization within the country.
Only the United Kingdom of the EU has already banned the LTTE as a terrorist organization under anti – terrorism laws in Britain. None of the other EU countries have done so.
The EU has already imposed a “travel ban” on the LTTE in EU countries. The decision came in September last year after Sri Lankan foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated in Colombo in August by a sniper in a murder suspected of being masterminded by the tigers.
The EU then condemned the LTTE for using “violence and terrorism” and announced that the tigers would not be made officially welcome in member states. It also called upon member states to review the situation individually and take further steps if necessary to curb LTTE activity on their soil.
No European Country followed up on that proposal but abided by the collective EU decision to impose a travel ban on the LTTE.
When the LTTE came to Europe in February this year to participate in talks with the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) in Geneva the tiger delegation did not go to any other country in Europe except Norway.
Switzerland being officially “neutral’ And “peace maker” Norway are not members of the EU.
The EU action last year was perceived as a warning signal to the LTTE to refrain from violence and engage seriously in peace talks.
Escalation of violence in recent months made the EU actively re- consider the LTTE ban issue again. Britain was in the forefront campaigning for a total ban on the LTTE. It was felt by some EU members that the LTTE had not taken full cognizance of EU warnings and that further action was necessary.
Representations made by Norway from “outside” and three Scandinavian nations “inside” EU helped stave off that proposal on the basis that the LTTE was engaged in a peace process facilitated by Oslo.
It was also pointed out that Finland. Denmark and Sweden were actively engaged in Sri Lanka as ceasefire monitors. An EU ban may restrict scope for further participation it was argued.
The matter was then put on hold and the LTTE got a reprieve.
The issue was reactivated after a woman suicide bomber attack on the military headquarters in Colombo on April 25th in which nine people were killed and twenty – seven including army commander Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka were injured.
Political observers are of the opinion that a number of factors may have weighed heavily against the LTTE this time.
Chief among them is the pressure exerted by the world’s sole super power on the EU to list the LTTE as terrorist.
Donald Camp, US principal assistant deputy secretary of state for South Asia and Central Asia affairs mentioned this specifically in media interviews while on a visit to Sri Lanka early this week.
” We have encouraged the EU to list the LTTE. We think the LTTE is very deserving of that label. We think it will help cut off financial supplies and weapons procurement and the like.” Donald Camp said.
Sri Lanka has also been waging a quiet diplomatic war in recent weeks to urge a EU ban on the LTTE. Colombo has been telling the Western nations that a total EU ban will pressure the tigers into suspending violence and participating fully in talks.
Both Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Peace secretariat director Palitha Kohona and several Sri Lankan envoys to Europe have been involved in this effort.
Palitha Kohona even went to Barcelona recently on a low – key mission to meet with Norwegian special peace envoy Jon Hanssen – Bauer and explain the reasons behind Sri Lankas call for a EU ban
Earlier Norway in an unofficial capacity had campaigned against a full ban stating it would affect the peace process.
Informed sources said that in recent times even Oslo had “lost heart” because of consistent “uncooperative ” conduct by the LTTE.
Norway was disappointed greatly by the refusal of LTTE chief negotiator and political adviser Anton Balasingham’s to meet with Jon Hanssen – Bauer on grounds of ill – health. Norway was informed that the tiger ideologue was “indisposed” from May 8th to 25th due to medical reasons.
LTTE leaders in the Wanni were also not cooperative when Hanssen – Bauer who went to Kilinochchi to meet the tiger hierarchy over vital concerns.
Diplomatic sources also said that the Norwegian minister in charge of the Lankan peace process Erik Solheim was now showing more interest in Nepal than Sri Lanka.
The proverbial straw which broke the camel’s back in this instance could be the May 11th attack on a Lankan naval flotilla by the LTTE and its aftermath say informed diplomatic sources.
The lives of two Nordic monitors traveling on the navy ships were endangered despite the vessels flying SLMM flags as stipulated.
The LTTE also sent harsh critical letters to the SLMM issuing a last warning to keep away from Lankan ships or be prepared to face consequences.
The SLMM responded strongly to the LTTE warning saying they could not be intimidated.
LTTE political Commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan was uncharacteistically tough when he met SLMM chief Ulf Henricsson in Kilinochchi on May 12th. The LTTE issued a virtual ultimatum then
The SLMM has suspended all naval monitoring until further notice.
It is reported that two of the five Countries involved in monitoring are seriously contemplating a pull out if there is no sign of improvement in the situation. They are concerned about the safety of their nationals. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are the SLMM members.
With the LTTE’s Scandinavian “friends” losing heart the call for an EU ban gathered momentum and strength.
The European Union strongly condemned the LTTE attack as being “reckless” and jeopardizing the ceasefire. The EU statement further said –
“The LTTE have committed gross violations of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) at sea in recent days. The attack on a troop carrier and the reported sinking of an accompanying navy vessel is the latest and most severe violation. The known presence of SLMM monitors on board that vessel adds to the seriousness of the violation. The claim by the LTTE that the SLMM has put its own monitors at risk by allowing them to travel on naval vessels is utterly unacceptable. This seeks to negate LTTE responsibility for the safety of monitors. This is a clear violation of the Ceasefire Agreement that requires all parties to take all measures to preserve the safety of the SLMM monitors”.
It was against this backdrop of a stern reprimand that EU ambassador in Sri Lanka , Julian Wilson, told a Colombo newspaper that the question of listing the LTTE as a terrorist organization “was under close review” by the EU.
If the ban is finalized and follow up action is taken LTTE and pro – LTTE activity in many European Countries could get affected. LTTE assets could be frozen and fund raising drastically reduced. Propaganda too could be restricted.
Among European Countries with a sizable Tamil diaspora are Britain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Italy and Ireland.
Some analysts however are concerned about the potential EU ban for three reasons:
Firstly they are worried that the ban instead of pressuring the LTTE into participating more actively in the peace process could actually be counter productive. With the tigers perceiving the “world” to be against them the LTTE could pull out of the talks completely and go for war.
Secondly the “hawkish” Sri Lankan regime under Mahinda Rajapakse could get the wrong signal from the EU move. Colombo egged on by elements such as the JVP and JHU could interpret the EU ban as an endorsement for full war against the LTTE and by extension the Tamils. The present anti – Tamil violence could escalate.
Thirdly Tamils living in European Countries may find themselves unnecessarily harassed and subject to repressive activity through the ban. In a climate where the LTTE enjoys substantial support among the Tamil Diaspora the European law- enforcement authorities may find it difficult to differentiate between Tamils and tigers.
It is learnt that some last ditch efforts are underway by concerned religious and human rights organizations to urge the EU into not proceeding with the intended ban. It is doubtful whether these efforts could succeed.
Meanwhile a Reuters news report from Brussels also referred to a possible EU Ban:
Excerpts of the reuters report are given below -
EU to list Tamil Tigers as terror group-diplomats
BRUSSELS, May 17 (Reuters) – The European Union is set to
list Sri Lankan rebel group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
as a terrorist organisation, EU diplomats said on Wednesday.
The move will further isolate the group as Sri Lanka is
sliding back into a low-intensity conflict some fear could
spiral into resumption of a two-decade war.
The United States, Canada and Britain have already listed
the Tamil Tigers as a terrorist group, and the EU imposed a
travel ban on the group’s cadres last September and said then it
was considering banning it for “use of violence and terrorism”.
“A decision in principle is due within the next couple of
days,” a diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said.
A second EU diplomat said a decision was due by Friday. The
move would then have to be rubber-stamped by the 25 member
states of the bloc at a later date.
A ban on the Tamil Tigers in the EU would outlaw the group
and its followers by shutting down premises and freezing assets
belonging to it.
The Tigers are fighting for a separate state for ethnic
Tamils in the north and east of the Indian Ocean island, and
have pioneered the use of suicide bombing.
There has been an escalation of violence recently and April
was one of the bloodiest months since a 2002 cease-fire halted a war that killed over 64,000 people since 1983.
Washington last week accused the group of violating the
truce with an attack on a Sri Lankan navy transport ship
carrying hundreds of servicemen.
The military said 17 sailors and 50 Tigers died in the
attack that prompted air strikes on rebel territory.
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May 17th, 2006
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