Archive for October, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Norwegian facilitators and representatives of the peace process co – chairs breeze in and breeze out frequently. They are as predictable as the monsoon winds blowing periodically across the Island. The numerous failed attempts by a concerned International Community to bring about peace between successive Governments of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) often remind observers of the old saying ” you may take horses to water but you cant make them drink”.
The latest peace broker blown in by the wind is Norwegian special peace emissary Jon Hanssen – Bauer.He has notched up a preliminary success. Both the GOSL and LTTE have consented to meet in Geneva on the 28th and 29th of this month. The agenda is to be finalised.
Given past experience few are optimistic about a positive outcome. If the track record of both parties are an indication anything could happen in Geneva. If earlier instances are seen as examples agreements reached may not be honoured. After all look at the ceasefire agreement being honoured in the breach
Notwithstanding Oslo underwriting the talks events on ground may disrupt proceedings. An unacceptable escalation of the conflict by either one or both sides before talks could prevent it. If troubles erupt after talks begin they could be terminated abruptly.
It has been usual practice for the GOSL to blame the LTTE whenever anything goes wrong with talks. Its peace secreariat functioning as an open propaganda unit spearheads such initiatives. Of course the tigers have to share blame but the record of Colombo is not that great either. The LTTE being weak on the politico – diplomatic front has been unable to put across its point of view or expose the sham stances of GOSL effectively.
Even now the GOSL is talking tough about tigers behaving like good boys. ” The government has also indicated to the facilitators, that if at any time the LTTE undertook actions of an offensive and provocative nature, the government reserves the right to take counter measures in the interests of national security. ” says a communique released by PTB Kohona’s peace secretariat.
This GOSL position is troubling and raises doubts. If the track record of the Mahinda Rajapakse Government is examined intensively one would find that it has been conducting overt and covert warfare. Covert operations by its Tamil and Muslim paramilitaries with security force support goes on in the North – East, Colombo and other Southern areas. Occasionally the deep penetration squads take out targets.
Overtly the security forces have engaged in and are continuing to engage in a number of military operations. The Air force has flown more than 250 sorties and bombed the Tamil homeland intensely. Naval gunboats have shelled North – Eastern coastal areas. The army has used deadly multi – barrel rockets and long range artillery on a number of occasions. The armed forces have also acquired the disputed area of Maavilaaru and clearly demarcated LTTE areas of Sampoor and Muhamaalai.
The funny thing about these operations are that the GOSL does not regard these as ceasefire violations or military offensives. All operations are rationalised as being limited or defensive in nature. They are for humanistic purposes or retaliatory measures. They are done in the name of national security or pre-emptive self – defence. The GOSL says it is neutralising or pre-empting the enemy.
The aerial bombardment and artillery attacks are always directed against pre – determined LTTE positions. The security forces possess some miraculous power by which only tigers are being killed and tiger positions destroyed. If Colombo and its motley crew of apologist spokespersons are to be believed no Tamil civilian has been killed or injured. No Tamil civilian dwellings or buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Few Tamil civilians have been displaced in the eyes of Colombo. This is why they do not get enough relief or rations. NGO activity is restricted.
If claims made by Colombo in this respect are to be accepted then Shakespeare’s Shylock would have extracted his pound of flesh without shedding a drop of blood.Colombo goes on with its deception about engaging only in defensive actions. Looking at the enormous burden imposed on Tamil civilians by these so called “defensive measures” one dreads to think of the terrible destruction in store for Tamils when the Rajapakse regime orders an all out offensive.
According to claims made by Colombo the aerial and artillery attacks are always on specific targets to neitralise LTTE positions. If the number of such “successes” is counted one would find that the tigers have an infinite number of positions needing to be neutralised. Despite the ruthless efficiency of the security forces LTTE positions needing to be neutralised are flourishing like the dragons teeth.
Against this backdrop there is the strong possibility that the GOSL could at any stage disrupt or call off talks in the interest of national security. It could also engage in defensive action that would be provocative enought to compel the LTTE into withdrawing or backing out of talks. Colombo would opt for the latter to project itself as blameless.
What is even more troubling now is the GOSL continuing military hostilities despite peace talks being on the cards. Instead of scaling down the attacks as is appropriate in a pre – peace talk period the GOSL has escalated and intensified attacks. The Rajapakse regime has been shelling and bombing Pooneryn or Poonagari on the Northern mainland for two days. It has also been attacking Pallai in the South of Jaffna peninsula. Attacks have also been launched against LTTE held areas to the south of Nagar Kovil in the peninsula’s Vadamaratchy east region.
This pattern of aerial and artillery attacks suggest that the security forces are planning to launch another military offensive to march further down in the South and South – East of the peninsula from their present positions. The objective seems to be Elephant Pass.The present bombing and shelling is to soften up the territory before advancing on ground.
[Tanker kept at the Elephantpass LTTE memorial site, on Nov 27, 2005]
It was only a few weeks ago that the armed forces conducted a fierce assault on the LTTE at Muhamalai. The line demarcating GOSL and LTTE controlled areas in the peninsula is along the Kilaly – Eluthumadduvaal – Nagar Kovil axis. The tigers launched an attack in August and advanced about a km towards Eluthumadduvaal. The armed forces after withdrawing initially came back with a counter – offensive in September.
After regaining its former position the armed forces did not rest. A second offensive was conducted and troops advanced about 800 metres to reach the outskirts of Muhamaalai. The first line of tiger defences were taken. The army launched yet another offensive to advance further. It was suspended due to heavy resistance by the LTTE.
The armed forces took a breather to rest and re – coup and e-equip themselves. LTTE artillery, landmines and anti – personnel mines had extracted a heavy toll. Yet the armed forces were not going to call it quits. The objective was to re – take Elephant Pass which fell to the LTTE in 2000. While the security forces were preparing to push forward again towards Elephant Pass International pressure has compelled the GOSL to go for talks in Geneva .
The GOSL however was crafty. It wanted some time for the talks to commence. The last week of October or first week of November. It may be recalled that the GOSL and its propagandists like PTB Kohona had been saying earlier that they were prepared to commence talks as soon as the LTTE said yes. But when the tiger was willing the Rajapakse regime wanted more time. Colombo was not ready to start talks quickly as stated ad nauseam earlier.
Apart from gaining time the Rajapakse regime has also reserved the right to adopt counter – measures in the interests of national security if the LTTE engaged in offensive or provocative action. Even as Hanssen – Bauer was talking to the tigers in Kilinochchi the Air force was bombing Pooneryn only 30 km away.
The GOSL continues with aerial and artillery attacks while announcements about forthcoming peace talks are made. The “convenient” excuse as in the past is that the LTTE is launching attacks. We have only the GOSL version because the tigers deny this. There is no way to check out the veracity or otherwise of these claims and counter – claims.
If everything works out as planned the armed forces could go in for a major military push to re – take Elephant pass anytime now. The on going bombing and shelling is a preparatory prelude. Interestingly enough Ethiraj Anbarasan of BBC Tamil service asked military spokesman Brigadier Samarasinghe whether the security forces had any plan of taking Elephant Pass. The Brigadier was evasive . “Not at the moment” he said and trailed off into a reply avoiding a concrete answer to the query.
It does not require much knowledge of military tactics to gauge how the Elephant Pass ofensive will happen. Troops are likely to be air dropped or ferried across the Jaffna lagoon to Pooneryn and then advance along ground on the mainland.Two forward movements from Eluthumadduvaal – Muhamaalai to Pallai and later Iyakkachchi. Another advance along the East coast from Nagar Kovil through Thalaiaddy – Maruthankerny to the Chundikulam region. Another air drop of a commando assault force at the decisive juncture in the Elephant Pass vicinity.
The security forces are confident of completing the phased out operation within two to three weeks of commencement. There will be no element of surprise because the LTTE is fully aware of GOSL intentions towards Elephant pass. The GOSL however is puffed up with pride over what it sees as its military successes in Maavilaaru, Muthur, Sampoor and Muhamaalai. Colombo believes that whatever the level of resistance by the LTTE superior firepower and manpower along with airpower will win the day as in the case of earlier successes.
There are many factors contributing to this politico – military desire to re-take Elephant pass. If the fall of Jaffna is a rankling issue with the LTTE the defeat at Elephant pass is a sore point for the security forces. It is an accepted fact of contemporary military history that the LTTE victory at Elephant pass was a remarkable achievement. It would be the dream of any army commander chief or supreme commander of the armed forces to re – take Elephant pass and wipe out the blemish on the armed forces. Besides Colombo has within its folds “Col” Karuna who claims that he was the architecht of the “Aanai Iravu vettri”.
Apart from restoring lost prestige there are also perceived political and military gains in the conquest of Elephant pass. Militarily possession of Elephant pass will benefit the security forces in both offensive and defensive purposes. The security forces are aware that the LTTE is only down and not out. So the army is wary of the LTTE targetting Jaffna again. If the army is able to push the tigers out from its present position along the Kilaly – Eluthumadduvaal – Nagar Kovil into the mainland the vulnerability of security forces within the peninsula decreases. The taking of Elephant pass isthmus separating mainland and peninsula will solidify this defence.
From an offensive oriented perspective the possession of Elephant pass will provide an effective launching pad for the army to commence deep incursions into the mainland. If Elephant pass falls it is only a matter of time before the security forces entrench themselves in Pooneryn and the Sangupiddy areas. This will put the now defunct Keratheevu – Sangupiddy ferry route under GOSL control. The LTTE will be curtailed from using the Sinna paranthan , kunchu paranthan areas to go across the lagoon to Kilaly and Kachai.
Paranthan too will be taken in a post – Elephant pass scenario.This will faciltate infiltration of deep penetration squads into Kilinochchi region . Also the armed forces with long range artillery will be able to attack Kilinochchi if necessary and destroy most of LTTE infra – structure.
Apart from the military there is the political angle too. With the much trumpeted victories of Maavilaaru and Sampoor the stock of Mahinda Rajapakse is rising among many Sinhala people . His popularity is increasing. If Elephant pass is taken it would be epiphany for Mahinda. This success and resultant popularity could help him if and when he calls for a snap Parliamentary election.
Also a campaign to take Elephant pass will help Mahinda to satisfy and contain hawkish elements within the armed forces , the national socialist JVP and ethno – fascist JHU. These sections are worried that the Geneva talks would pressure Rajapakse to call off the current military drive. Given recent military successes there is growing belief in the South that the LTTE is weak and powerless. The security forces are strong and powerful. This then is the time to press this advantage further is the line of thinking. The Rajapakse regime which nourished and nurtured this military consciousness has to ride the crest of this wave or be submerged. So Elephant pass ho!
If the Rajapakse regime does go ahead with its plan and commences an Elephant pass offensive the LTTE will most likely fight back. If the fighting intensifies and drags on till the end of October the proposed Geneva conclave will most likely be postponed. The tigers could also protest against the offensive and declare that they would not go to Geneva as Colombo had launched a full – fledged offensive. If that happens the GOSL will blame the LTTE for keeping away from talks.
If on the other hand the GOSL manages to take Elephant pass it would go to Geneva triumphantly. It would be seen as being in a position of strength. PTB Kohona would announce that the Mahinda Rajapakse Government after neutralising the LTTE threat in Elephant pass is now magnanimously attending peace talks because of its commitment to a negotiated settlement. If the LTTE takes umbrage and refuses to participate in peace talks then Colombo would once again tar brush the tigers as anti – peace and pro – war.
Mahinda and his minions are more concerned with the taking of Elephant pass before talking in Geneva.The Rajapakse regime has got away so far with its strategy of talking peace and promoting war. Though the international community is showing signs of waking up to the negative aspects of the Rajapakse regime there is still a long,long way to go. Meanwhile the GOSL backed by the USA, China and Pakistan is cocksure about continuing successfully with its present approach.
Against that backdrop the Elephant pass offensive seems a definite possibility unless extra – heavy international pressure is exerted on Colombo to desist. Poor Norway is powerless in this. Only the super power and regional power can restrain the Rajapakse regime in this.If the IC is really genuine about a political settlement some positive, pre – emptive pressure on Colombo is a pre – requisite.
There is also an unknown factor. Colombo’s calculations are based on the assumption that a military success over the LTTE is inevitable in Elephant pass. The best laid plans of men and mice go awry. Whatever the crowing in Colombo the tigers are still not a spent force. They have “lost” battles but not the war. It is also a moot point as to whether Velupillai Pirapakaran would continue to let the Rajapakses and Sarath Fonseka define the venue and terms of conflict. There may be unexpected twists and turns on the road to Elephant pass.
Meanwhile the International Community should not be complacent that everything is hunky – dory about the proposed Geneva talks. There is an elephant in the conference room. It’s name is Elephant pass.
transCurrents feedback : editor@transcurrents.com
transCurrents feedback :Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
October 6th, 2006
by D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Fifty years ago on June 5th 1956 Tamil political activists led by Parliamentarians of the Federal Party known as Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) conducted a “satyagraha” campaign at the Galle Face green opposite the old Parliament by the Beira waters. It was a non – violent protest against the imposition of Sinhala as the sole official language. Tamils were to be rendered officially illiterate by what was generally described as the “Sinhala Only” Act.
The FP was then led by SJV Chelvanayagam a man who firmly believed in non – violence and Gandhian modes of protest. His followers dubbed him “Eelathu Gandhi”then. Apart from FP volunteers even Tamil Congress leader GG Ponnambalam (snr) and the unconquerable “Adangath Thamilan” C. Sundaralingam participated in the protest Satyagraha to register Tamil solidarity.
[S.J.V. Chelvanayagam, G.G. Ponnambalam and Rauf Hakeem]
The “Apey Aanduwa” of SWRD Bandaranaike was not the British Raj. At least two cabinet ministers and a handful of Sinhala Parliamentarians were instrumental in mustering a mob of Sinhala thugs and hoodlums to the green. These ruffians first taunted the Satyagrahis and then threw stones. Realising that the peaceful protestors were not going to engage in counter – violence in deference to the essence of “ahimsa” the cowardly mob transformed into fierce warriors.
They engaged in violence against the Satyagrahis. Several people including MP’s were manhandled. Dr. EMV Naganathan and VN Navaratnam were thrown in the lake. SJV Chelvanayagam’s son was mercilessly assaulted in front of the father who remained unmoved in the finest traditions of Gandhism. Several people had their ears bitten off to get hold of the gold ear studs. (kadukkan).The Police had been asked to remain inactive.
The Prime Minister came to the balcony of Parliament building and observed the unfolding scene with amusement. When a senior Burgher Police officer approached him and requested orders to disperse the mob SWRD reportedly shrugged it off saying “Let them have a taste of their own medicine”. Later a bandaged Amirthalingam entered the lobby with Sundaralingam to participate in the debate. “ah! Wounds of war!” guffawed Bandaranaike.”Honourable wounds of war” shouted back Sundaralingam.
This was but one of a series of Gandhian protests conducted by the Tamil politicians of that era to focus attention on Tamil grievances and get the governments of the day to remedy them. Even before the Lankan Tamils , leaders of the Plantation Tamils like Thondaman, Azeez, Velupillai and Subbiah had launched a Satyagraha protest against the citizenship and franchise laws.
With India gaining Independence through a non – violent struggle the Tamils heavily influenced by the Mahatma tried to follow suit. But the Sinhala rulers were not the British. Brute force both official and unofficial was unleashed against unarmed peaceful protestors. When the FP led Satygraha of 1961 virtually crippled the civil administration of the North – East and a parallel postal service with its own stamp was established, the Government of Mrs. Bandaranaike cracked down hard. The military was called in. Demonstrators were beaten, curfew declared and political leaders placed under house arrest.
This refusal of Sinhala Governments to take note of Tamil grievances and aspirations when articulated through non – violent modes of protest was deeply resented by the community. This in turn spawned a new generation of Tamils who believed that the Sinhala dominated Governments do not understand the language of non – violence and that the only lingo they would respond to was violence. This was the genesis of the Tamil armed struggle. What began as a “cottage industry” has now reached gigantic proportions.
Those with a knowledge of history would have felt a sense of Deja Vu at recent developments within Parliament. Members of the Tamil National Alliance who contested Parliament elections on the “Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchi” ticket were engaged in Satyagraha for three days in a row. This time the protest was not outside but inside Parliament. They wished to draw attention of the house to the North – Eastern situation. People were disappearing or getting killed. There was an acute food shortage.
The TNA crystallised its protest in the form of a demand that the A – 9 highway or Jaffna – Kandy road be opened up for transport. The A – 9 transport was closed by the Government in August when hostilities broke out in Muhamaalai. The Govt intends keeping traffic closed till Elephant Pass is re – taken. The shut down also helps to restrict the fund raising capacity of the tigers who imposed taxes and tolls on vehicles and passengers earlier to augment their finances.
The closing of A – 9 has drastically affected transport of food, essential items and fuel to Jaffna.There is a severe shortage there. International organizations have pointed out that a massive humanitarian crisis is on the make in Jaffna. In that context the TNA is demanding that the Govt open up A – 9 immediately and prevent the unfolding humanitarian tragedy. The Parliamentary Satyagraha or “Sit In Protest”is centered around this demand.
From Wednesday Sep 27th the TNA members wearing black bands walk to the well of the House and sit down on the floor in protest. They do not shout or hoot but sit still silently. They engaged in this action for three days in succession last week. When Patliament resumed this week on Tuesday Oct 3rd the TNA conducted its protest for the fourth day.
None of the MP’s were assaulted as in 1956. Perhaps the privileges of a Parliamentarian gave them security. But the MP’s were given treatment that was in a sense worse than assault. They were ignored. In the words of Kumar Ponnambalam in a different context they were treated with “supreme disdain”. Busines went on as usual in the house. No minister or responsible leader inquired or responded to the on going protest aimed at drawing attention to what is definitely a humanitarian tragedy.
All except one. To his credit Muslim Congress leader Rauf Hakeem was the only person to the best of my knowledge who referred to the on going protest. Quoting recent history he warned that ignoring such peaceful protsts would only lead to worse consequences. He called upon the Government to respond to the issues raised by the TNA members. Hakeem received grateful applause from his Tamil colleagues.
An interesting highlight of the Satysgraha was the “baptism of fire” undergone by the new Tamil Parliamentarian Chandranehru Ariyanayagam Chandrakanth. The 27 year old from Thirukkovil in Amparai district was sworn in as national list MP from the TNA last week. He filled the void created by the demise of Joseph Pararajasingham who was killed last year by Sitha of the Karuna faction inside the St. Mary’s Cathedral while partaking of Holy Communion during midnight mass for Christmas in a service conducted by Bishop Kingsley Swampillai.
Chandrakanth bedecked in sparklingly smart clothes as he took his oaths was seen within minutes sitting cross- legged on the floor as TNA members commenced their Satyagraha in the well of the House. Chandrakanth is the son of former TULF Amparai district MP Chandranehru Ariyanayagam who was killed along with LTTE Eastern Political Commissar Kausalyan on the road near Welikande Army camp by members of the Karuna faction.
Chandranehru was named after the great Indian leaders Jawarhalal Nehru and Subash Chandrabose. Chandrakanth was named after his father Chandra and mother Kanthi. Though married and settled in Britain , Chandrakanth has returned home to continue serving the Amparai district Tamil people like his father and grandfather.
Chandrakanth’s grandfather Ariyanayagam of Thirukkovil was a disciple of Chelvanayagam and prominent stalwart of the FP. If there was Parliamentary representation available for Amparai Tamils in the fifties and sixties there is no doubt that Ariyanayagam would have been elected on the FP ticket. When Amparai Tamils got a double – member seat for Pottuvil in 1977 Ariyanayagam had passed away. Being a Gandhian he was known as “Arappor” (Non – violent struggle) Ariyanayagam. It was fitting therefore that young Chandrakanth received his parliamentary baptism by way of an “Arappor” in Parliament itself.
With the appointment of Chandrakanth there are two Tamil “third generation” politicos in Parliament now. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam is the son of Tamil Congress leaders Kumar Ponnambalam and grandson of eminent criminal lawyer and ex – cabinet minister GG Ponnambalam. Chandrakanth of course is the grandson and son of Ariyanayagam and Chandranehru. In the case of Gajendrakumar his father unlike his grandfather never entered Parliament. In the case of Chandrakanth his father was an MP but not his grandfather.
The change in the TNA parliamentarian mode of protest would have surprised many. These MP”s had made a disgraceful spectacle of themselves in the past by their unruly antics in Parliament. Instead of engaging in purposeful debate or use question time constructively many of the TNA Parliamentarians engaged in hooting, jeering and throwing things. They would march up to the speaker in menacing manner. They have caused the speaker to suspend proceedings through their rough tactics. Some MP’s like S. Gajendran have made provocative utterances.
But this time there was a difference as they engaged in non – violent protest. Even peaceful protests upset the usual Parliamentary decorum. But it is certainly better than rowdy behaviour.Besides they do have a right to articulate their grievances without obstructing the activities of Parliament. Sadly the Government has simply ignored them. Whatever the political views of these MP’s they are now officially representing Tamils in Parliament. They are entitled to some response.
Some of the TNA parliamentarians may have been elected through dubious means. The TNA’s undisguised subservience to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil eelam (LTTE) has eroded much of their credibility and respect. Nevertheless they are for all practical purposes Members of Parliament. It is up to Parliament to provide some response to them. Ignoring them is an insult to all Tamils who voted genuinely for them.The Government should take heed of comments made by Hakeem in this respect.
One reason for this change of approach by the TNA may be due to their recent passage to India. Indian officials may have advised them to alter their approach and earn respect and prestige. Unfortunately the very same Government , Speaker and fellow Parliamentarians who took some “notice” at least of their earlier unruly conduct are now blissfully ignoring this change of heart.Once again Tamils are left to wonder whether non – violent expressions of a particular point of view will ever get the response it deserves?
One hopes that the TNA will not “relapse” into ugly and crude demonstrations again as a result of this “supreme disdain” being shown..There was a time when Tamil Parliamentarians like Ponnambalam, Chelvanayagam, Kumaraswamy, Sundaralingam, Vanniyasingham, Naganathan, Balasundaram, Pon. Kandiah. Rasamanickam, Ehamparam,Rajavarothayam, Amirthalingam, Sivasithamparam, Navaratnam, Kathiravelupillai, Dharmalingam, Sambandan, Yogeswaran, Thangathurai, Soosaidasan, Neelan Tiruchelvam etc commanded the respect of the house despite their political opinion.They contributed greatly to Parliamentary proceedings and debates.
The present crop of TNA parliamentarians are no match for those giants of yester year. Also the political climate has altered drastically with a full – fledged war being on. Nevertheless the TNA can certainly do much better than what they have done in the past. In those days a single MP like “pundit” KP Ratnam of Kayts utilised the questioning period to spotlight many problems and grievances of the Tamils. Nowadays no Tamil MP raises any worthwhile question in Parliament. The various debates too can be used to outline Tamil problems in a more effective manner.
The conduct of the TNA also depends greatly on the LTTE. Whenever Rajavarothayam Sambandan is allowed to make a “Free” speech he demonstrates that he is one of the ablest Parliamentarians and debater in the House today. He is the most senior of Tamil Parliamentarians today. Let us hope that the LTTE would see the wisdom of letting the TNA Parliamentarians under Sambandan’s leadership realise their full potential in Parliament. IF such enlightenment dawns it can only serve the just and legitimate cause of the Tamils.
transCurrents feedback : editor@transcurrents.com
transCurrents feedback :Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
October 3rd, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
President Mahendra Percy Rajapakse received thunderous applause from party delegates on September 4th during the 55th session of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in Colombo when he announced that the security forces had re – taken the Tamil majority town of Sampoor in the Muthur East division of Trincomalee district.Rajapakse said: “Our Armed Forces have captured Sampur for the welfare and benefit of the people living there”.
While most sections of the media projected the Sampoor victory as a militaristic success over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) some analysts complimented Rajapakse on the manner in which he announced it. “The President struck the proper note in combining the aim of the welfare and benefit of the people of Sampur together with the military success”observed veteran journalist Lucian Rajakarunanayake in his “Daily News” column.
Whatever the real or imaginary concern displayed by Rajapakse for the people living in Sampoor the ground realities before and after the LTTE vacated Sampoor are harshly different to those benign comments expressed by “Magnanimous” Mahinda.
It is highly debatable whether the armed forces “captured” Sampoor with the welfare of its inhabitants or for what seems an undisguised politico – military objective. What is more important however is to note that the actual situation was totally contrary to Rajapakse’s claim that the armed forces took Sampoor ” for the welfare and benefit of the people living there”.
There were no civilians living in Sampoor or surrounding areas when the armed forces walked in. The tigers had vacated the region with most military assets including heavy artillery intact. The people had vacated the place even earlier due to intense aerial bombardment and artillery shelling.
When some media personnel were taken on an arranged tour to report on the Sampoor trophy they did not see any Tamil civilians in the area.It was a land without people that they saw. At least one journalist in his despatch wrote that the absence of people was “intriguing”.
Where had all the Sampoor people gone? No big mystery this. They had all gone to comparatively safer places in the South of Trincomalee district and North of Batticaloa district.It is not Sampoor town alone that reminds one of Goldsmith’s “deserted village” now.All 12 villages in the greater Sampoor region are bereft of people too.
Sampoor is part of the Muthur East division. A vast number of people from the Muthur East region and adjacent Eechilampattru division have been displaced. Many families from 24 villages in Muthur East and 19 villages in Eechilampatru have left their homes and sought temporary refuge elsewhere.
There are however some people remaining in their former homes or elsewhere in the areas of Muthur East or Eechilampatru where the security forces are not present. Some remain due to a stubborn resolve not to desert their ancestral homes. Others remain to protect property and tend to livestock. Some are old and sick. They cannot make the ardous trek to relative safety. A few have been intimately involved with the LTTE and are reluctant to flee due to fear of repercussions or the courage of their convictions.
With all governmental structures having broken down in these areas no one knows the exact number of those remaining. The military administrator masquerading as civilian authority in Trincomalee does not allow any NGO or relief organization to go to these parts on grounds of security. Government officials do not go there too. No dry rations, emergency provisions or medical supplies are allowed in. With infra-structure being destroyed and qualified medical personnel being absent the afflicted people are suffering greatly.
While those who remain behind in Muthur East and Eechilampatru are fast becoming the wretched of the Eastern Earth the fate of those who made it to relative safety is no better.The bulk of those displaced are in the Verugal – Vaharai region of Trincomalee South and Batticaloa north.48, 600 people from 8, 543 families are officially accredited Trincomalee displaced in Koralaipattru North division. The number in Verugal area is not known.
Thousands of displaced persons from Trincomalee district have made it to other Govt controlled areas of Batticaloa district. The number exceeds 10,000 now.More displaced people living currently in tiger controlled areas would have made it to the comparative safety and comfort of Govt controlled areas in Batticaloa if the LTTE had not restricted them. Some of these displaced people have relocated temporarily not only to Batticaloa town but to other parts of the Island too in a few instances.
I have heard harrowing accounts of the experiences undergone by these pathetic people. One resident from Sampoor had walked nearly a hundred KM with his family to Batticaloa. This was not one long journey but in stages. The Sampoor displaced had gone from place to place in search of safety. The staggered journey began in April and ended in August. With the security forces taking their homeland these children of Sampoor soil seem destined for permanent displacement.
As stated in these columns the problem for Sampoor did not commence after the Maavilaaru crisis or due to the factor that the LTTE fired shells at Trincomalee harbour or China Bay from Sampoor. Sampoor was hit first on April 25th within hours of the alleged suicide bomber attack in the Colombo military headquarters. THe LTTE headquarters in the Wanni was not attacked but strategic Sampoor in Trincomalee was attacked.
For two days the area was attacked by air, land and sea. Israeli K-firs and Ukraine built Mig 27 planes bombed the area. Naval gunboats shelled the coastal regions. Multi barrel rocket fire and artiilery attacks were launched from Trincomalee harbour and Monkey bridge camps across the Kottiar bay. 17 people were killed and 40 injured in both days. Many buildings and dwellings were destroyed. Some days later Sampoor was attacked again when the LTTE engaged in a sea skirmish with the navy off Point Pedro in the North.
It seemed clear that the Rajapakse regime had resolved to re – take strategic Sampoor. The tripartite attacks were to drive the people away first. Every attack by the LTTE was used as a pretext to target Sampoor.The people of Sampoor had to go.The warning was not lost on the people of Sampoor. Thus began the long trek.
The artillery and aerial attacks that began in April continued even after Sampoor was retaken in September. According to the LTTE political commissar for Trincomalee S. Elilan 97 Tamil civilians were killed and 215 injured during this period. Artillery and aerial attacks are directed towards the Verugal – Vaaharai region even now. Several IDP’s have been killed and injured in these places.
According to a first hand account related to this column by an education official from Sampoor he and his family had first left Sampoor and reached Paattaalipuram about six km away for safety. They had used a circuitous jungle route. They had stayed here for some weeks. The International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and the NGO Save the Chikdren had provided relief and food.Officially there was no Governmental assistance to these hapless people who were displaced due to no fault of thir own.
Retired Major – General Ranjith Silva the Trincomalee Government Agent appointed by the militaristic Rajapakse regime had debarred any such assistance to these people.Nominally the people of Sampoor were Sri Lankan citizens entitled to all rights as any other citizen. Practically they were regarded as children of a lesser God. They were cruelly deprived of their basic rights.Their fundamental right to life – from which all other rights are derived – was gravely threatened.
Their troubles continued. The Pattalipuram area was shelled intensively from the Kattaiparichaan camp. So the family moved another 4 km to a place called Nalllur in Muthur East. But very soon MBRL fire from Trincomalee was directed at this place and surrounding villages. Artillery shelling from Thoppoor and Selva Nagar camps also took place. Aerial bombardment of the area also commenced.
Realising that an offensive to take Muthur East was on the cards the family along with others moved to Ilankaithurai Muhathuvaaram. The causeway there links Eechilampatru division with Muthur East. Artillery Shelling and sporadic aerial attacks continued. The family moved around the area moving from places like Uppooral to places like Seenanveli.
With artillery and aerial attacks continuing the family then moved further South and took refuge at different times in places like Punnaiyadi and Kallady. The Maavilaaru crisis saw these areas being bombed and shelled by the security forces though these places had no relevance to the so called “water war”.
The family along with others then shifted further South to places like Paalathottam, Maavadichenai and Muttithottam. Even these areas were not immune from aerial bombardment and artillery attacks. Finally the family reached Verugal. After a few days they crossed the river barely escaping an aerial attack which targeted the ferry.
They were now in the Batticaloa district. The Koralaipattru North division was teeming with displaced Tamils. There was inadequate infra – structure to accommodate the Internal Displaced Persons inflow. After moving to and from places like Pammivettuvaan, Paalsenai and Vaaharai the family managed after great difficulty to get “permission” from the LTTE to leave. When they crossed into Govt controled areas the army did not stop them though there were instances of such prevention earlier. Finally the family reached the safety of a relative’s home in Batticaloa.
It was very painful to listen to this family’s tale on the telephone. There was infinite sadness. They related how their house in Sampoor had been damaged twice earlier during the conflict. After basic repairs they had continued to live there. When the 2002 Feb 23td ceasefire came into force with Norwegian facilitation they like many others thought permanent peace had returned.
Borrowing money they renovated their damaged house. It was even re- structured and had a fresh look. But that house was now wrecked due to artillery and air attacks as it was hit twice. It was now beyond repair. This was the main reason which impelled the family to move away.
Their tale was representative of what befell most residents of that region. It was an emotional strain to listen to their travails of travel. Going from one place to another for safety. Facing aerial and artillery attacks after enjoying some safety for a few days. With each movement the number of displaced persons increased. It was a case of people from village A taking refuge in vilage B. Then people from both villages A and B move to village C. After some days people from villages A, B and C move to village D. The story goes on and on. The IDP number aggregates each time.
Most people had walked or used cycles. Some had used bullock carts. A fortunate few with fuel used tractors. The main roads were not safe. The bombers attacked any sign of human movement on the roads. Bridges, causeways, culverts and even fery ways were deliberately attacked without any concern for the fleeing people. Many of these victims recognized a new cruelty in the air attacks. The feeling was that some foreigners and not Sri Lankans were flying the planes. Even Mi 24 Helicopter gunships had attacked then on a few occasions.
The education official that this column spoke to lamented about the students. “There were 18, 000 students in the region” he said. ” Now they are all scattered and displaced. They live in makeshift refugee camps. Their schooling is disrupted. A recent BBC “Thamilosai” broadcast relayed the voices of several children and parents lamenting about the loss of education.Organizations concerned about children in armed conflict focus attention on child soldiers. But a humanitarian tragedy like this mass displacement and deprivation of schooling is virtually ignored. How many of these affected students will be recruited by the LTTE?
What is clear about the fate of Sampoor is that the people had been deliberately and systematically uprooted and pressurised through force to move away. The tragic tale of the displaced people demonstrated clearly that a terrible design had been effected. After depriving the displaced of rations and relief the pattern of attacks had been well – designed to drive the people further Southwards and out of Trincomalee district. The attacks had no viable connection to the war against the LTTE. It was more a part of the deep – seaed conspiracy to “De – Tamilise” Trincomalee.
Despite the calculated machinations to force the people into Batticaloa district these pitiable children of a lesser God were suffering there too. Orders from Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse saw NGO organizations being prevented from visiting these people and catering to their needs. Only Governmental assistance is allowed. This is not enough. The UNHCR and ICRC are allowed to go in. Occasionally local NGO’s and religious organizations are allowed in along with Government officials.
One such visit was made by Rev. Dr. Jeyanesan a senior minister of the Church Of South India (CSI) Jaffna Diocese. In a recent interview to the BBC the clergyman said that the CSI delegation was prevented from taking foodstuff for the children at the Maankerni camp. The priest had inspected personally the IDP situation from Vaaharai to Verugal. He had seen many refugee situations in Sri Lanka and abroad. But never in his life had he seen appalling conditions such as this.
The facilities were simply scarce. With the Govt banning construction of permanent shelters most people were roughing it out in the open. Not all had tents. Some of the tents were sub – standard. There were no health or sanitary facilities. The food and provisions were inadequate. The people were immensely suffering.
The priest observed that there were about 25 – 30 NGO’s doing refugee relief work in other parts of Batticaloa district. If permitted these organizations would help ease the burden and suffering. But the Govt was not allowing them to do so. Rev. Jeyanesan said that he had visited the Muthur refugees in Kanthalai earlier. Nearly fity NGO’s were on the scene attending to refugees. In Vaahara- Verugal the IDP count was more than in Kanthalai but only UN and ICRC organizations were allowed to do some work. This was totally inadequate.
Describing the situation as a humanitarian tragedy Rev Jeyanesan appealed to the Govt to treat the problem of displaced people as a national and not ethnic issue. He implored the state not to discriminate between citizens and urged it to ensure that IDP’s were being looked after to the best extent possible.
When officials and NGO’s request permission to offer better services to these displaced persons the Govt cites security as an excuse. It also says that permanent abodes need not be constructed as the people will be re- settled in their former homes soon. There are also erroneous media reports that the people of Sampoor and Muthur are returning home. This is incorrect. Only Muslim refugees from Muthur are returning. Many of them were compelled through various means to return. Displaced Tamils from Muthur or Sampoor have not returned.
Furthermore there seems very little chance of the rightful residents of Sampoor returning home. As predicted in these columns earlier the security forces are going ahead with plans of declaring the Sampoor coastal region a high security zone sans people. Most remaining houses in the area have been looted. A Buddha statue has been ercected at the Naavaladdy junction in Sampoor. There is much talk of renaming Sampoor as Somapura in typical “conquest” style.
Complicating the situation further is the hasty decision to shift the venue from China Bay to Sampoor of the proposed Coal power plant. The project is of two phases and will generate 1000 MW at completion in 2012. The Indian Government is expected to provide Rs 50 Billion for the project and a MOU is to be signed shortly. To ensure perhaps that the tigers do not retake Sampoor in the future the coal plant is now to be moved to Sampoor. A 300 acre site has been earmarked. How New Delhi would respond to this change remains to be seen.
Past events have demonstrated clearly that the people of Sampoor have been cruelly targeted and driven away for politico – military objectives. They have been persecuted deliberately and continue to be persecuted. Against this backdrop Mahinda Rajapakse reaches the pinnacle of sanctimonious hypocisy when he says “Our Armed Forces have captured Sampur for the welfare and benefit of the people living there”.
transCurrents feedback : editor@transcurrents.com
transCurrents feedback :Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
October 3rd, 2006
Next Posts