Archive for October, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
There is a saying in Tamil that the tiger crouches to pounce (Puli pathunguvathu paaivathatku).This is in reference to the four – legged feline of the wilds. This saying however proved appropriate last week in the case of the two – legged tigers of Sri Lanka too.
When the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) seemed to experience military reversals in places like Maavilaaru, Muthur, Sampoor, Mandaitheevu and Muhamaalai many people in Sri Lanka and abroad began to write off the tigers as “finished”. The LTTE added to this impression by not using the large arsenal believed to be in their possession in the various military skirmishes.
With the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL)of Mahinda Rajapakse adopting a hawkish policy towards the LTTE , war fever began gripping the South. The national socialists of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and ethno – fascists of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) whipping up the frenzy many wanted the armed forces to go in and finish off the tigers/tamils. It was felt that the LTTE was weak and now a spent force.
This hard – line attitude was pithily expressed by the chief incumbent of the Magul Maha vihara, Ven. Kataragama Sirirathina Thero . “Koti nemei Poos petiyek” (not a tiger but a kitten) he said. This _expression caught on and soon reputed commentators were quoting it with unconcealed glee.A case was made out against negotiations or recognizing the inherent rights of the Tamils because the LTTE was now weak.
Unfortunately for those Sinhala supremacists who want this Island to be for one entity alone the LTTE had not turned pussy cat. It was still the tiger and in the words of Blake “Burning bright”. Contrary to extremist expectations the LTTE was not a spent force. It was alive and kicking. The “puli” had crouched not due to weakness but to pounce on its prey.
When it became apparent that the GOSL was scheming to take Elephant pass before talking in Geneva this column warned that things may not go the way Colombo wished. ” 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” was what I wrote then.
Recent events have shown that the LTTE is capable of not only defeating the GOSL in strategic defensive battles but is also prepared to expand the war theatre into areas outside the North – East. The LTTE leader was choosing the time and place of attack.
Signs of the renewed LTTE were visible first in the Vaaharai region of Koralaipattru North in Batticaloa district. More than 400 Soldiers and 80 members of the Karuna faction marched out from Mankerni to Vaaharai through Panichankerni. The LTTE allowed the soldiers and their running dogs to advance nearly five to six km before attacking.
In an operation personally supervised by Trincomalee LTTE commander “Col” Sornam the advancing enemy was surrounded and attacked. The commanding officer too was killed. The GOSL military and para – military retreated . The army lost 12 men and Karuna faction 15 cadres At least 61 from both groups were injured.
The next opportunity for the tiger to demonstrate it was not a “poonaikutti” (kitten) came when the GOSL launched a massive operation to retake Elephant Pass. The main thrust was from the Kilaly and Eluthumadduvaal bases. The LTTE allowed the troops to march forward with minimal resistance. In fact the first and second lines of LTTE defence withdrew.
The LTTE commenced its counter – attack in the Pallai – Puloppalai area. After about six hours of intensive fighting the soldiers retreated. The Army lost at least 136 men and sustained 519 injuries. Six Armoured fighting vehicles and six Armoured Personnel carriers were lost. One battalion was virtually decimated.12 officers lost their lives.The LTTE returned 78 bodies of soldiers to the army through the Red Cross
Both these battles saw the LTTE resisting two military advances. The GOSL troops had “invaded” tiger territory. The tigers were well within their rights to defend themselves. The soldiers were legitimate targets. The LTTE had fought two pitched battles of the conventional warfare variety and emerged victors. The tiger had proved that it had not transformed into a cat.
Having fought what were essentially defensive battles the LTTE now went on the offensive. The tiger was now predator. It went in search of prey outside its “historical habitat”. The nature of the operations too was no longer strategic defensive as in earlier instances.
Naval personnel in Habarana and the Naval base in Galle were targetted. The targets were legitimate military targets but the methods adopted were controversial. In both cases the Sri Lanka Navy were the main victims.
By launching attacks on the navy at Habarana and Galle the LTTE had demonstrated that it could reach even outside the North – East even up to the Southern coast. In recent times the navy had been making many claims about destroying LTTE ships and boats. In that sense the tiger attacks apart from their lethal damage were also symbolic. Tourism in Galle and Habarana could be affected in the long term.Also the LTTE has issued an implicit warning that if the GOSL kept on targetting Tamil cvivilians Colombo could expect more operations of this type.
More importantly the LTTE has disproved Southern propaganda that the tiger had become a pussycat. By these attacks the LTTE had proved its point. The military operations undertaken by the LTTE in Vaaharai – Panichankerny and Pallai – Puloppalai were fundamentally militaristic and defensive in nature. Notwithstanding denials it was apparent that the GOSL armed forces were the aggressors in those battles.
The picture however is murky when it comes to Habarana and Galle. It is debatable as to whether the unarmed navy personnel in Habarana or the harbour workers in Galle were military targets. Arguments can be adduced in favour of both positions.
Moreover the use of suicide bombers evokes much condemnation in the West in a post September 11th 2001 scenario. The LTTE of course has not commented much on the Galle and Habarana attacks but its military spokesman Ilanthiraiyan has said that in a situation where the GOSL is attacking Tamil civilian areas indiscriminately these types of counter – attacks could be inevitable.
Whatever the merits or otherwise in the LTTE military action in Galle and Habarana it is clear that the GOSL has no moral right to condemn the tigers. The Rajapakse regime has been notorious for its deliberate attacks on Tamil civilians. The GOSL which butchered unarmed schoolgirls through aerial terror in Vallipunam and shamefully justified it is now wailing about the killing of “unarmed sailors” in Habarana.
The GOSL escalated violence in recent times under the belief that the tiger was now a cat.The “Puli” however is not a “Poonai”.This is the message of Vaaharai – Panichankerni, Pallai – Puloppalai, Habarana and Galle.
LTTE supporters are deleriously happy. Their mindset evokes memories of an old TM Soundrarajan song by Poet Vaali from the MGR movie “Rickshawkaran”. MG Ramachandran sings thus [click for song on MIOL]
“Naan oru kai paarkiren.
Neram varum Ketkiren
Poonai Alla Puli Thaan Endru
Poha Pohak Kaattugiren”
(I will show my hand; when the time comes I will ask; As time goes by and by I will prove that I am a not a cat but a tiger)
But where does all these leave the affected Tamil civilian in the North – East and elsewhere in Sri Lanka ? How do these military victories of the LTTE help the ordinary Tamil?
Military victories alone will not help the Tamils achieve their lost rights. Military victories alone will not help resolve the Tamil National question.
Contrary to what Bismarck said the problem can ultimately be resolved only through “dialogue and discussion” and not by “blood and iron”.
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October 21st, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
In a surprising morning attack the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) launched an amphibaean assault on the Sri Lanka Naval base “Dhakshina” in the Southern province of Sri Lanka.
The Black sea tiger (kadat karumpuli) attack came on Wednesday Oct 18th in Galle the historic City in the Southern Province. Galle too has become the hub of Southern province tourism and is often compared to the resorts along the French Riviera. In recent times a large number of foreigners have bought residential property in Galle mainly along the sea. Galle known as “Khalee” in Tamil is about 113 km to the South of Colombo.
Apparently the Government had received an intelligence report that Galle was to be attacked by the LTTE. President Mahinda Rajapakse reportedly told members of the cabinet at the weekly meeting that his brother and defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse had obtained this info two days ago. Security had been intensified from Pottuvil to Galle. The intelligence report however said the tiger attack would be in the night so security had been relaxed after 6 00 am
The tigers however struck very much after dawn . Hundreds of fishing craft were returning ashore to the Galle fisheries harbour after night fishing. All boats had licenses and permits that were checked at the marine entry point to the harbour. A flotilla of seven tiger boats masquerading as fishing boats were also moving towards the harbour.15 – 20 LTTE cadres aboard were disguised as fishermen.
[Sea Tigers, Nov 2005]
It was around 7.45 am when one black sea tiger boat drew up fast near the harbour entry point and blew itself up. Four other tiger boats streamed into the harbour premises. Their objective was the Naval base “Dhakshina” adjoined the fisheries harbour premises. LTTE cadres began firing from the boats. Some used RPG’s.
One of the tiger boats went and rammed itself against the old navy vessel “Parakrama Bahu”. The ship was damaged and also caught fire. Two other boats rammed themselves against two waterjets and exploded. Soon the sailors within “Dhakshina” rallied and began fighting back. Some were reportedly half – dressed as they hastily fought back. With four tiger boats blowing themselves up the fifth was destroyed by the navy in a 50 minute firefight.
Tigers from the other two boats also clambered ashore and reportedly fired from the jetty. Their target seemed to be the major armoury housed within “Dhakshina” premises. This armoury was the main storehouse for naval arsenal and ammunition. More importantly war materials supplied by Pakistan were brought directly to Galle by ship and unloaded. An unconfirmed report states that some Pakistani war materials were being unloaded at Galle at the time of attack.
Residents of Galle heard a series of explosions. One explosion seemed to be a powerful one. With the navy destroying the two other boats from which LTTE cadres landed the remaining tigers had after a while run away from the area into the town after discarding weapons an unconfirmed report stated.
According to official reports One naval sailor was killed and 14 injured. One civilian worker died and 12 other civilians were injured. The dead man had died due to shock. Two Inshore patrol craft and one coastal patrol craft were damaged. An old ship was burnt. Officially it was denied that the armoury was damaged in any way though clouds of smoke were going up long after the big explosion and other smaller ones.
Even as Galle residents were in a state of panic a group of looters assembled into a mob and began targeting Tamil businesses and homes. The mob reportedly backed by local members of two racist organizations went first to the pre- dominantly Tamil “Kittangi” area which has many Tamil shops. “Kittangi” or warehouse was built by an Indian Chettiyar during British rule. Most shops here are owned by Tamils of Indian descent.
The mobs also targetted Tamil businesses and homes in Olcott Mawatte and Kaluwella. The mob numbering more than 200 consisted of small groups. The rampage began at about 8. 30 am itself. The mob broke into houses and shops and began looting stuff. They also destroyed goods. The patriotic rabble specifically focused on jewellery shops and stores dealing with electronic goods. Twenty – eight shops and homes were looted while about ten were set ablaze.But the fires caused minimal damage as they were quickly doused.
[Tamil men stand with their children in the largest Hindu temple in Galle, Pic Courtesy of AFP/Lakruwan Wanniarachchi]
Most Tamils were panic stricken and took refuge in the Galle Sivan and Sri Kathiresan temples. Policemen directed by Galle OIC Keerthi Silva however came to the scene quickly and chased away the mobs.Police opened fire on the mobs and injured three. Others fled. If not for prompt Police action there may have been much more looting, arsondestruction and also possible loss of life and limb.
According to some Galle Tamil residents Government minister Piyasena Gamage and opposition MP from the UNP Lionel Premasiri had played a big role in pressing for Police action in dispersing the crowd and protecting Tamil civilian lives and property. Both political leaders had also visited the scenes of violence, consoled Tamil victims and ensured their safety and security.
Officials also announced publicly that people living near the harbour should vacate their homes because of a danger of explosions and possible spread of fire. An unofficial curfew was imposed and people in the town area were asked to remain indoors. Transport along the Galle road was also curtailed for a while.
Soon three sets of rumours began circulating like wildfire. One was that some escaped tigers were in the town. The other was that some LTTE cadres were on Rumassala hill in Galle firing away at the harbour. The third was that a big LTTE ship outside the harbour had got away safely.
The authorities however denied all three “rumours” and claimed that only five tiger boats were involved in the attack and that all of them were destroyed by the navy. It was also denied that LTTE Black tiger suicide squad members had blown themselves or any of the boats were rammed into vessels. The “Official” story was that all LTTE boats were destroyed by the navy alone.
In spite of the denial that no tigers were at Rumassala hill a large number of security personnel were busy combing the area for tigers. Likewise a massive search operation was also conducted in Galle for lurking tigers.
Despite denying that any tigers had escaped into the town at least sixteen Tamils were arrested on suspicion in Galle. Eleven are being quizzed now. The other five were released.
Apart from Tamils a few Muslims and even Sinhalese businesses were attacked by the “patriotic” mob. When Defence Affairs spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwell was asked by the BBC Tamil service about mobs attacking Tamils the cabinet minister denied it at first. When the BBC said that they had direct feedback from the affected victims Rambukwella brushed it aside lightly saying it was only the work of some “mischief – makers”.
Three contingents of Special Task Force personnel from Colombo were rushed to Galle to help establish law and order and also combat tigers. The harbour premises were not open to the public at the time of writing this article and no media persons were able to see for themselves the actual damage caused.
Meanwhile LTTE media outlets were the first to come out with details of the attack and also publish pictures of Galle harbour. This strengthened the belief that some tigers had actually got away alive and also that another LTTE vessel may have left the area after thye operation. It is not known as to how many tigers actually died in the fighting though seven unidentified bodies washed ashore are presumed to be those of the LTTE.Some LTTE bodies are said to be mangled into shreds in the explosions.
By launching attacks on the navy at Habarana and Galle the LTTE had demonstrated that it could reach even outside the North – East even up to the Southern coast. In recent times the navy had been making many claims about destroying LTTE ships and boats. In that sense the tiger attacks apart from their lethal damage were also symbolic. Also tourism in Galle and Habarana could be affected in the long term. Also the LTTE has issued an implicit warning that if the GOSL kept on targeting Tamil civilians Colombo could expect more operations of this type.
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October 21st, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) of which Mahinda Rajapakse is the head and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)led by Velupillai Pirapakaran have both said yes to Oslo facilitated talks in Switzerland. If everything goes well both GOSL and LTTE delegations will be engaging each other in Geneva or some other Swiss location on the 28th and 29th of this month.
The big guns representing three of the four co – chairs were in Sri Lanka at the time this article was written. Richard Boucher, Yasushi Akashi and Jon Hanssen – Bauer were all there to coax and coerce both sides into attending talks.With both sides agreeing some sections of the media at least are exuding optimism. “Breakthrough ” scream the headlines.
Frankly this column sees very little to be hopeful about.
I think it was Winston Churchill who observed once that it was “better to jaw – jaw than war – war”. On that basis it is certainly good for the GOSL and LTTE to jaw – jaw in Helvetia than war – war in Sri Lanka. But then neither side is “officially” at war in Sri Lanka. The ceasefire agreement remains in force still. Both sides continue to pay lip service to it.
Yet the Country has seen on – going clashes amounting to war in the past months. Jaw – Jaw in Switzerland does not necessarily mean the absence of war – war in Sri Lanka. Both jaw – jaw and war – war can go on simultaneously.
Why is this column pessimistic about a positive outcome or at least about preliminary steps to a positive outcome? Simply because the track record of both sides shows that they are like unwilling horses being taken to water. They may pretend ,yes, but they will not drink.
The reality today is that there is no ceasefire and a war is on. It was on for quite sometime now. The proposed talks in Switzerland is not going to alter that reality. The talks may bring about a lull but it can only be temporary.
It was Clausewitz who described war as an extension of politics. In Sri Lanka the hegemonistic oppression of the Tamil nationality by the numerically larger majority brought in its wake determined resistance. It was this political dynamic which translated itself into war.
The situation in Sri Lanka has gone even beyond Clausewitz. The war has now pervaded the ceasefire and extended further into the negotiating table.
The atmosphere in Geneva last January was vastly different to that prevailing in Thailand’s Sattahip in September 2002. The protagonists perceived themselves as partners for peace in Thailand. The participants acted as adversaries in Switzerland.The aim was to depict the other side as being the villain of the piece rather than striving to achieve real peace.
There was clearly no meeting of the minds in Geneva. An agreement of sorts was reached only because Nimal Siripala de Silva was instructed by Mahinda Rajapakse to arrive at some understanding and return. (Porondhuvelaa Enda; Passa Balamu)
The significant thing about Geneva was that both sides pledged to control violence. The LTTE promised to control the “makkal padai” or peoples force. The GOSL promised to restrain the paramilitaries or members of the EPDP and Karuna faction.
Interestingly both sides had earlier insisted that these forces and groups were acting independently and that they had no links with them. Yet both agreed to control them in Geneva. Everybody that was somebody in the International Community (IC) was happy. Until the bubble burst.
Members of the Karuna lodged at the EPDP office in Trincomalee shot and killed the Tamil community leader and prospective national list MP Vikneswaran. The LTTE peoples front began setting up claymore mines. Everything was back to square one and violence was rampant again.
The IC pressured exerted pressure again and got both sides to meet in Oslo. The LTTE pulled off a fast one and declined to talk saying that the two sides were not of equal status. The GOSL walked out and utilised the opportunity to engage in skilful propaganda against the tigers.
Violence began escalating. The GOSL used airpower, firepower and manpower to its advantage. A dirty war was also unleashed. The Tamil civilians had to bear the brunt of all these attacks and warfare. Yet the IC did not seem to be losing much sleep over this.
There were two reasons. One was that in International perception the LTTE had exceeded limits and had to bear the consequences. Despite differentiating clearly between the LTTE and the Tamil people the IC seemed to gloss over this crucial difference. The Tamil people had to bear vicarious responsibility for the LTTE action.
The second reason was that the LTTE was seen to be losing battle after battle with the GOSL. With the state being perceived as top dog there was not even a dog’s chance for the underdog namely the beleaguered, long – suffering Tamil people.
For nearly six months the GOSL armed forces under President Mahinda Rajapakse have been targetting Tamil civilians under the pretext of combatting the tigers.
Aerial bombardment, artillery shelling etc of Tamil civilian habitats have been going on indiscriminately and incessantly/ Tamil civilians have been killed, arbitrarily arrested and made to “disappear” Unbridled state terror went on.
There was also war hysteria being whipped up in the South. Military “victories” were notched up in Maavilaaru, Muthur, Sampoor and Muhamaalai. It was widely proclaimed that the tigers were powerless and turned into kittens. “Kotiya dhan poos patiyek” gloated a Bhikku from Kadhirgaamam (Kataragama).
The Rajapakse regime rode the crest of a hawkish wave. War was the strident demand. The International community did nothing except to make some token gestures and issue mild statements.
It appeared that the world believed Rajapakse’s forces could exterminate the tigers despite violating human rights. They waited for the V – Day.
Some including this column repeatedly pleaded with the IC to take effective steps to bring about an end to the violence. The IC was implored to pressure Mahinda Rajapakse. Some statements were issued and requests made. Nothing substantial happened on ground.
The GOSL continued with its military action. These actions were justified as being defensive.According to Colombo the armed forces were only acting defensively or pre-empting anticipated LTTE action. Civilian dwellings were shelled and bombed and explained away as tiger positions being destroyed or neutralise.
This rationale behind launching “defensive offensives” provided GOSL carte blanche to conduct operations anywhere in Sri Lanka. The ceasefire was of no consequence. President Rajapakse himself went on record that the GOSL reserved the right to take such defensive action regardless of the ceasefire or peace process or related talks. This was the new Hambantota doctrine.
The IC seemed unable or ynwilling to check this GOSL tendency. Hanssen – Bauer visited Sri Lanka some days ago and obtained the consent of both parties for talks. Yet the GOSL launched a vicious military offensive within days of his departure. There were no protests from the IC. A deafening silence pervailed.
There followed a fierce battle reminiscent of an earlier one codenamed Agnikheela.
For many Tamils it was a feeling of deja vu all over again .
Five and a half years ago on April 24th 2001 the Government of Sri Lanka under President Chandrika Kumaratunga launched a military operation called “agnikheela” (fire flame in English and thee chuvaalai in Tamil),
After intensive aerial bombardment and artillery shelling to “soften up” LTTE defences the armed forces proceeded from positions along the Kilaly – Eluthumadduvaal – Nagarkovil axis towards the South and South – East of the Jaffna peninsula.
The objective was Elephant pass. It was then (as is now) an issue of prestige as well as of strategic importance to regain Elephant pass which had fallen to the tigers the previous year.
Previously the LTTE had declared a unilateral ceasefire on Christmas day and extended it for four months. The GOSL refused to accept the olive branch extended and continued with provocative tactics. Finally the LTTE called off the ceasefire.
Within two days the armed forces launched Agnikheela.
The troops advanced well into the Pallai – Soranpattru – Massar area with relatively little tiger oppposition. The first few days seemed to indicate that the LTTE was on the verge of defeat.
The International community was conspicuously silent on the first two days when it appeared that GOSL troops were having the upper hand.
Then the tigers hit back!
In 36 hours the armed forces suffered a humiliating defeat incurring more than 600 casualties dead and wounded.
The International community (IC)sprang into action. Breaking their silence statements were issued urging both sides to eschew violence and go in for a negotiated settlement. With the Katunayake attack of July 24th the Sri Lankan air force was crippled.
The IC was convinced the LTTE could not be contained by the GOSL. War was discouraged and a negotiated settlement was urged. The Norway facilitated peace process received firm IC backing. The rest was recent history.
The situation was very much akin to the pre – Agnikheela atmosphere when the second Agnikheela commenced on Oct 11th. It was launched despite talks being scheduled for Oct 28th and 29th.
The GOSL made a military advance and was routed in the western side of the same region where Agnikheela occurred. The LTTE struck back and demonstrated that they were vibrant as ever.
The armed forces of the GOSL seemed to be in bad shape. Then came the attack on naval personnel at Habarana. This was followed by an assault on the Naval base in Galle.
The image projected by the Rajapakse regime that the “Koti” (tiger) had become a “Poospati” (Kitten) was shattered. The tigers had proved to the world that they were not a spent force. It appeared now that the LTTE had to be restrained from mauling the enemy.
Lo and Behold! The International community has begun coming out of its enforced hibernation. Vehement statements are being issued . Concern is expressed about rising levels of violence. It is being emphasised that both sides should desist from confrontation and resume negotiations. The US, EU, India are all issuing strong statements.
It is indeed commendable that the International community is stirring itself into action when the GOSL is not doing too well.. But why was such inaction prevailing when the state was unleashing violence and terror on the Tamils? Tamils are increasingly saddened because they placed much reliance on the IC and expected it to be fair by them.
This then is the fundamental reason for lack of faith in this so called peace process and proposed talks. The IC was of no use in preventing the LTTE from killing and abducting dissidents and members of other groups described as “traitors”in earlier times; the IC was of no use in preventing the killing and abducting of Tamils suspected of being linked to the LTTE by so called paramilitary groups ; the IC was of no use in preventing the deaths of Tamils in Aerial bombardment and artillery firing.
The IC which seemed powerless to protect Tamils being killed during a period of ceasefire becomes agitated like a cat on a hot, tin roof when the LTTE starts attacking defence personnel. Even then it is content to observe passively as long as the armed forces are on top. But when the LTTE is seen to be gaining the upper hand the IC gets very concerned about escalating violence and seeks ways and means of containing it.
The impression gaining ground among many Tamils is that the IC is not being even handed by them. Many Tamils can understand the reasons behind International antipathy towards the LTTE but cannot understand or bear the apathy showed towards the tragic predicament of Tamil civilians. This perception of being seen as abandoned or betrayed by the International community can only drive more moderate Tamils into the tiger den.
There is a grave crisis of credibility about the peace process and related talks. The Rajapakse regime is not trustworthy. Few Tamils have any faith in any decision arrived at with such a regime. Any pledge given will be observed only in the breach is the feeling.. The case of agreeing to disarm paramilitaries in Geneva and going back on that is a clear illustration. As such talks in Switzerland are seen as a pointless waste of time by many Tamils.
Likewise most Sinhala people have no faith in the LTTE too. The strong Southern viewpoint is that the LTTE is not genuine about a negotiated settlement. The tigers come for peace talks only because of international pressure or to buy time to make their own preparations. The LTTE will not honour the ceasefire. The tigers only want a separate state and will not abandon the armed struggle until they achieve it. This is the pre-ponderant feeling among many Sinhalese.
There is also the fact that commencement of talks will not guarantee guarantee cessation of violence . Attacks and counter – attacks could go on before, during and after the talks. The GOSL reserves the right to engage in defensive – offensives at any point of time. The GOSL has also threatened to call off Talks if the LTTE engaged in any violence.This is like disqualifying the sprinter even before he has got off the starting blocks.
The tigers too will not keep still if the GOSL tries to push through another “defensive offensive”. The LTTE adopted a particular stance in the recent past for reasons of its own. That situation has now changed. The LTTE will engage in armed action if and when the occasion arises. It will not be passive in a bid to appease International sentiment. Events on ground will influence the tigers more than the desire to get into the IC’s good books.
The LTTE feels that the IC has lost the moral high ground because it has not restrained the GOSL from unleashing war on the Tamil people. If the GOSL reserves the right to defend itself at any time then the LTTE also reserves that right.
If the GOSL can launch attacks as “pre- emptive defence” then the LTTE can also do so.
If the GOSL can attack Sampoor and Muhamaalai on that basis then the LTTE can launch attacks in Habarana and Galle on the same basis too.
If the GOSL can conduct war and talk peace then the LTTE can talk peace and conduct war too.
If sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander then meat for the lion can be meat for the tiger too.
Complicating the situation further has been the Supreme Court decision on the North – Eastern merger.The goal posts have been shifted as the match is in progress. Another point is that a separate Muslim delegation must be accommodated as early as possible in talks. Muslim participation is a must. More about these issues later.
The climate of violence must abate. The GOSL must ensure the return of displaced Tamils, re- open the A – 9 highway and remove the severe shortage of food, medicine, fuel and essential items in the Tamil region. The killing and abduction of civilians must cease. Meaningful efforts must be underway to alleviate the suffering of Tamil civilians if a conducive environment for fruitful negotiations is to be reached
Against this bleak backdrop the prospects for success at the Swiss talks seem dismal. The IC seems keen on the motions of a peace process than substantive results.What is required however is the will to exercise genuine pressure on both sides (the GOSL in particular) to abide by decisions taken in the past as well as those to be taken in the future.If the International community is not firm in compelling or influencing both sides in this respect proposed rounds of talks can only be futile exercises.
If the track record of previous talks are any indication anything can happen. Events on ground may prevent talks commencing; even if they start the talks could collapse half – way ; even if talks conclude no decision may be reached; even if decisions are arrived at they may be deliberately flouted or unimplemented.
Let us then not have any illusions about the war – war in Sri Lanka and proposed jaw – jaw in Helvetia.
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October 21st, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Habarana in the North – Central province became the venue for a tiger attack which left more than a 100 Navy personnel dead and about 150 injured.
When the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) seemed to experience military reversals in places like Maavilaaru, Muthur, Sampoor, Mandaitheevu and Muhamaalai many people in Sri Lanka and abroad began to write off the tigers as “finished”. The LTTE added to this impression by not using the large arsenal believed to be in their possession in the various military skirmishes. [Nearby hospitals treated victims of the blast (Picture by Athula Bandara) Courtesy of BBC, More In Pictures]
With the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL)of Mahinda Rajapakse adopting a hawkish policy towards the LTTE , war fever began gripping the South. Many wanted the armed forces to go in and finish off the tigers/tamils. It was felt that the LTTE was weak and now a spent force.
This hard – line attitude was pithily expressed by the chief incumbent of the Magul Maha vihara, Ven. Kataragama Sirirathina Thero . “Koti nemei Poos petiyek” (not a tiger but a kitten) he said. This _expression caught on and soon reputed commentators were quoting it with unconcealed glee.A case was made out against negotiations or recognizing the inherent rights of the Tamils because the LTTE was now weak.
Unfortunately for those Sinhala supremacists who want this Island to be for one entity alone the LTTE had not turned pussy cat. It was still the tiger and in the words of Blake “Burning bright”. Contrary to extremist expectations the LTTE was not a spent force. It was alive and kicking. The “puli” had crouched not due to weakness but to pounce on its prey.
There is a saying in Tamil that the tiger crouches to pounce (Puli pathunguvathu paaivathatku).This is in reference to the four – legged feline of the wilds. This saying however proved appropriate last week in the case of the two – legged tigers of Sri Lanka too.
Recent events have shown that the LTTE is capable of not only defeating the GOSL in strategic defensive battles but is also prepared to expand the war theatre into areas outside the North – East. The LTTE leader was choosing the time and place of attack.
The battles in Vaaharai – Panichankerny in Batticaloa and Puloppalai – Pallai in Jaffna saw saw the LTTE resisting and thwarting two military advances. The GOSL troops had “invaded” tiger territory. The tigers were well within their rights to defend themselves. The soldiers were legitimate targets. The LTTE had fought two pitched battles of the conventional warfare variety and emerged victors. The tiger had proved that it had not transformed into a cat.
Having fought what were essentially defensive battles the LTTE now went on the offensive. The tiger was now predator. It went in search of prey outside its “historical habitat”. The nature of the operations too was no longer strategic defensive as in earlier instances. The targets were legitimate military targets but the methods adopted were controversial. In both cases the Sri Lanka Navy were the main victims.
Habarana in the North – Central Province is a key area where roads from Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee converge. With its proximity to jungles, tanks and historical monuments Habarana has in recent times become a popular tourist resort area too.
Naval personnel moving to and from Trincomalee had used a particular spot at Diganpathana on the Habarana – Trincomalee road as a transit point. Vehicles brought in navy personnel going on vacation as well as those returning from holidays to this transit station. After refreshing themselves and partaking of food and drink sailors boarded their vehicles and proceeded with naval men providing security.
The transit station at Diganpathana was near the 101st milepost between Habarana and Inamaluwa on the Trinco road. There were two major checkpoints manned by the Police in the vicinity at Habarana and Mirisgoniyawa junction. The navy transit point was off the main road but without any barricades or checkpoint barriers.
It was the after noon on Monday Oct 16th . 24 vehicles were parked at the transit station premises. 20 of these were buses for naval personnel in transit. 150 sailors were returning to Trinco while an equal number was going away. 40 navy men were detailed as security escorts. Those 40 men providing security were well armed but the other 300 sailors most of them in civils were unarmed. Apart from the 340 navy personnel there were some civilian employees present at the transit point too.
It is said that navy personnel were boarding buses after eating . Some were seated while others were hanging about outside. It was at this time that an Elf Canter truck drove into the premises at breakneck speed from the direction of Dambulla. There were two occupants. Eyewitnesses say that they were shouting “no brakes” in Sinhala. The vehicle zoomed in and crashed against a bus full of sailors. The explosion occurred at 1. 45 pm.
It is estimated that at least 50 kilos of explosives were packed inside the canter driven by two “black tigers”. The effects of the explosion were terrible. At least five vehicles were totally destroyed. Thirteen others were damaged. The human toll was massive.
Soon Police, security personnel and villagers worked frantically to retrieve bodies of those dead and injured. Apart from ambulances four helicopters were also busy airlifting the dead and injured to nearby hospitals. Initially there were about 90 dead and 180 injured.
Many of the injured died in hospital. At the time of writing this article at least 123 had died. Of these 98 bodies were at Dambulla hospital , 17 in Colombo, 06 in Kurunegala and 02 in Polonnaruwa. Though some of the injured with minor wounds were discharged around 120 – 125 were still receiving treatment.
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October 20th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Last Wednesday was the day of the tiger in the Northern theatre of war!
The “defensive” offensive launched on October 11th by the Sri Lankan armed forces of the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) headed by President Mahinda Rajapakse was repulsed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) led by Velupillai Pirapakaran in a day of fierce fighting from dawn to dusk in the Kilaly – Puloppalai region of Jaffna peninsula.
The Sri Lankan Army commanded by Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka suffered what was easily the single biggest debacle in recent times after the GOSL began its series of “Defensive Offensives” against the Liberation Tigers. At least 133 soldiers were killed and 519 wounded while the LTTE suffered 23 deaths and 101 injured cadres. Both sides have now returned to their earlier positions and are engaged in sporadic, low – intensity artillery fire.
The military advance was not unexpected as preceding events pointed to a high military build – up in the area. There had been intermittent exchange of artillery fire for many days between both sides along the Forward Defence Line (FDL) axis of Kilaly – Eluthumattuvaal – Nagar Kovil axis in the lower peninsula. There was also aerial bombardment of areas described as LTTE positions by the GOSL for many days.
The past few days had also seen a massive increase in military preparations by the GOSL.The tigers protested at this visible military build – up to Norway. At the same time the LTTE also began strengthening its defences.The GOSL denied that it was planning an offensive. It re-iterated that the armed forces would only defend themselves or enhance defence by “neutralising” LTTE positions. Since this has been the usual excuse of the GOSL in justifying military operations it was a foregone conclusion that a “defensive offensive” was on the cards.The real aim of the GOSL security forces was Elephant Pass.
Originally the operation was to commence on Monday Oct 11th. Protests made by the LTTE of an imminent offensive were denied by the GOSL. So the planned offensive was delayed by two days to stave off possible international pressure. Another reason was heavy rain on Monday.
The night of Tuesday October 10th saw the intermittent artillery fire escalating. The morning saw military movement on ground. Troops first broke out before dawn from the Nagar Kovil camp in Vadamaratchy East along the Peninsula’s eastern coast. Troops from Kilaly along the South – Western coast of the Peninsula commenced moving out at first light. Troops from the Eluthumadduvaal base in the Peninsula’s South started out after daybreak. All advancing troops had a pre – dawn breakfast of rice, fish and dhal before breaking out.
By 6. 30 am there was forward movement by troops on all three fronts. K- fir jet bombers and Mi 24 helicopter gunships engaged in aerial bombardment to help facilitate troop movement on ground. The weather however turned nasty with heavy ,dark clouds proliferating. The Air Force could only fly one major sortie that morning due to climatic conditions.
Naval gunboats fired from the sea at coatal points between Nagar Kovil and Thalaiyaddy on the Eastern coastal sector.
The LTTE also began firing their artillery. By 7. 30 am the Nagar Kovil troops called it a day and turned back. It was an apparent manouevre to divide enemy attention. Naval gunboats however continued to patrol the coast along Vadamaratchy east and Pachilaipalli engaging in occasional shelling. The navy aim was to prevent reinforcements from Chundikulam and Challai tiger sea bases from landing inside the peninsula.
Troops moving out from Eluthumadduvaal did not focus on Muhamaalai and Pallai as expected. The army had already advanced about 800 metres into LTTE controlled Muhamaalai and reached the outer perimeter of LTTE lines. Instead of pressing home this advantage further the armed forces veered South – Westwards and continued their march.
The troops moving along the coast from Kilaly also changed course. These personnel moved inwards in a South – Eastern direction.
Both columns were now spreading out and advancing in the Puloppalai region between Muhamaalai and Kilaaly. If this advance was succesful the troops could circumvent Muhamaalai and Pallai . By adopting a semi – circular route they could reach the A- 9 highway or Jaffna – Kandy road at a point close to Puthukkaadu Santhi or junction. An east bound road from the junction through Massar and Soranpattru reaches Thalaiaddy on the east coast.
The Puthukkaadu junction on the A – 9 highway is between Pallai and the Iyakkachi road junction about 3 miles way from Elephant pass. If the troops reached Puthukkadu junction and then the Iyakkachi junction, it would have been only a “short, short way” from there to elephant pass.
There were about 5500 combat and logistical support troops involved.The Air mobile brigade as well as the 3rd infantry brigade of the 55th division (533) comprised the main assault force. The 533 brigade consisted mainly of Gemunu Watch battalions. The mechanized units were also deployed heavily. Troops from the 55th division provided logistical support.
The troops relied heavily on the mechanized personnel and were using a lot of battle tanks, armoured cars, armoured personnel carriers and heavy vehicles like bull dozers to clear the way. Three companies oh highly specialised commandos numbering about 250 – 260 were in the vanguard. They belonged to the Air Mobile brigade and were known as Special Infantry Oriented Teams (SIOT).
The SIOT function was essentially that of pathfinding and trail blazing. Being in the vanguard the SIOT was expected to monito enemy position and gauge artillery and machine gun emplacements. They were required to direct covering artillery and mortar fire extended by personnel to their rear.
After pathfinder troops advanced the tanks , armoured cars andAPC persnnel carriers would follow establishing a safe route through the underbrush . Then troops would dismount from APC’s and other armoured vehicles and advance on ground.The main formations of infantry troops then advanced along ground cautiously. Once conditions were comparatively safe bull dozers cleared and flattened the area as far as possible to help consolidate captured areas.
The LTTE resistance to these rapidly advancing columns was carefully calculated. Initially tiger resistanceseemed feeble. The artillery fire seemingly lacked vigour. Earlier attempts to advance through Muhamaalai via the A – 9 axis had seen the LTTE deploying innumerable claymores and anti – personnel mines along the route. This time during the early hours of advance , the mines and booby traps were conspicuously scarce. LTTE cadres from the first and second lines of defence also fell back after a while.The troops were on the upbeat. It looked like the army was going to repeat its Maavilaaru, Muthur, Sampoor, Muhamaalai successes.
8.00 am was the H- hour for the army to commence a heavy onslaught of MBRL’s, heavy artillery and field artillery. Even as the armed forces began this tiger artillery across the Jaffna lagoon in Poonagary began firing 122mm and 130mm artillery. There is also suspicion among military circles that 155mm guns were also used.
Despite LTTE artillery counter -fire the troops continued. With the 1st and 2nd LTTE defence lines having fallen back the troops backed by artillery went forward. the advance was slowed down to some extent by tiger artillery as well as mines. Two MBT’s were hit by anti – tank “monster” mines. After the first tank was hit the second overtook it and proceeded to be hit in turn. A third moved in a different direction and fell into a well – camoflaged deep, pit. It was a tiger trap.
Despite these difficulties the army continued its advance as the LTTE had not offered stiff resistance, By 9. 30 am the GOSL troops seemed to have penetrated nearly 2 – 3 miles deep into tiger territory in the Puloppallai – Pallai region. Some vanguard SIOT troops were even further up from the main advancing body.
It was around this time (9.30 am) that the tiger roaring tiger pounced. The advancing troop formations were breached in three points.
The vanguard troops were was attacked at a certain point and pressured to retreat sideways. The troops found a chain of deadly mines being triggered like some gigantic firework. LTTE cadres virtually surrounded these troops and intensified firing.. A whole company was virtually wiped out while the other two sustained much damage.
The main advancing body was attacked frontally . Tigers also attacked the military in the rear. It was a virtual encirclement of GOSL troops.
The LTTE’s Victor anti – tank and armoured unit went into action. Despite losing its founder – commander Lt. Col Akbar to a random army shell on Oct 7th members of the unit fought fiercely. In addition to the earlier losses of three tanks to “monster” mines and an ambush a further three Armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) were hit by anti – tank RPG”s and destroyed. Six AFV’s comprising 5 Czhech built T – 55 ’s and two Russian built BMP’s were put out of action.
The Victor anti – tank and armoured unit also fired at Chinese built Armoured Personnel carriers with success. Three APC’s were totally destroyed while another three were partially damaged . The Victor unit had put six armoured fighting vehicles and six armoured personnel carriers out of action within a few hours of fighting.The armed forces have never sustained such massive losses in this manner before.
The infantry troops as well as the SIOT personnel to their credit did not turn around and run at the sight of strong tiger resistance. They tried to both hold on to territory and also advance. The fighting was intense from 9. 30 am to 11. 30 am. Troops found themselves attacked by tiny, mobile tiger groups who closed in and fired ruthlessly.
The LTTE also fired RPG’s , mortars and 60mm portable artillery. Troops were forced at times to move sideways. Very opften they found themselves victims to well – laid Johnny anti = personnel and also claymore mines. It appeared that the LTTE had planted them carefully in select locations and allowed troops to advance up to those places easily.
Another problem for troops was the placement of LTTE machine – gunners in well concealed fox holes. Some of these foxholes were behind GOSL column lines. These tigers inflicted much damage from their foxholes. The LTTE also engaged in sniper fire from tree-top positions.
By 11. 30 GOSL troops abandoned the idea of proceeding to Elephant Pass via Puthukaadu and Iyakkachchi junctions. They began withdrawing taking back as many as possible of the dead and injured.The fighting too transformed itself into artillery and mortar firing. The LTTE kept up an intense barrage. The total withdrawal of GOSL troops was complete by 2.00 – 2. 30 pm.
The entire battle was over in about six to six and a half hours. The tigers had triumphed in beating back troops.
[The President sat in the pilot seat of the Kfir jet when he paid a visit to the Air Force Base in Katunayake on October 10th - Pic by Sudath Silva, Courtesy of Daily Mirror.lk]
The Air Force which flew only one sortie in the morning could not help troops later.Weather conditions were bad for aerial attacks. Also the Pakistani and Ukrainian pilots flying the Air Force planes were unable to engage in customary indiscriminate aerial bombardment due to fear of hitting GOSL troops. Helicopter Gunships could have flown low and targetted tigers but were worried about getting hit by LTTE’s surface to air missiles. Naval gumboats were off the peninsulas eastern coast and useless to fighting in the western sector.The army therefore was all alon at its hour of need..
There was practically no close combat or face to face fighting. The bulk of the fighting consisted of tank and anti – tank firing, artillery shelling and mortar fire. The GOSL usually fires artillery barrages indiscriminately and intensely against perceived LTTE positions. Superior firepower is used to its advantage.
This however did not work out in this instance as the GOSL troops had advanced and were widely scattered. It was not possible to fire from Kilaly or Eluthumadduvaal at random for fear of hitting their own troops. The army was therefore restricted intitially to field artillery and mortars. The LTTE apparently advanced to comparatively close quarters and fired RPG’s and 60 mm shells from portable artillery.
The LTTE at one point advanced beyond original FDL’s into army controlled areas. They turned back after a while and began clearing operations. The heavy fighting subsided after 2. 30 pm. Intermittent artillery fire of low intensity continued throughout the night. It continued even on Thursday 12th.
The armed forces had incurred heavy losses. About 20 privately owned vans and mini – buses were commandeered by the armed forces to supplement army vehicles in transporting dead and injured back from the frontlines. Troops suffering major injuries were taken to the Varany camp in the Thenmaratchy sector. Three helicopters then air lifted them to Palaly . Thereafter they were flown to Colombo and Anuradhapura for treatment. Vehicles also took those with minor injuries and dead bodies along the road in Jaffna to Palaly.
The military hospital in Palaly was already overflowing with patients recovering from injuries sustained in previous rounds of fighting along the Kilaly – Eluthumadduvaal – Nagar Kovil axis. The GOSL had kept as many injured as possible in Palaly to prevent the actual truth about army casualties emerging.
With troops sustaining heavy damage on Oct 11th the military hospital was unable to accommodate all victims. So a hangar at Palaly Airport was converted into a makeshift hospital.
Initially GOSL and defence services spokespersons tried to obscure the truth. They gave ridiculously low casualty figures. Later the various security force websites began increasing casualty figures. Different news agencies quoting unnamed defence sources began giving out comparatively accurate figures. By Oct 12th /13th an accurate picture began emerging.
[74 dead bodies of Sri Lankan military being handed over to the ICRC by the LTTE, LTTEPS.org]
At least 133 soldiers had been killed.Of these 55 bodies were retrieved by security forces themselves. 75 were retrieved by the LTTE. 74 of these bodies were handed over to the Red Cross at the Kilinochchi playground on Oct 12th by the LTTE’s Paavannan who usually interacts with international organizations. One of the bodies retrieved by the LTTE was not given to the Red Cross on time due to a transport problem.
Later the LTTE said it was returning that body along with three other bodies of soldiers they had discovered later. According to LTTE defence affairs spokesperson Ilanthiraiyan there were 43 other bodies the tigers had located later. These were decayed and mangled. They were not in a condition to be transported and returned. The tigers themselves crenated them with military honours claimed Ilanthiraiyan.
The Defence ministry accepted the bodies returned through ICRC red Cross at Omanthai. But they refused to accept the LTTE claim that the 43 bodies found later by the LTTE were those of soldiers. The Defence ministry officially stated that three of the injured soldiers had died later. The official figure therefore was 133 dead.
The Defence ministry also said that all 78 persons first declared as missing in action were accounted for.Yet an internal Defence ministry circular stated that rwo officers and thirty – five men were yet “missing”. 12 officers were among the dead.
The official figures for wounded soldiers was 283. Yet the truth was that of 519 soldiers being injured. Of these 323 were brought to Colombo and 54 to Anuradhapura. Colombo residents saw and heard ambulances and sirens throughout night and day. The rest of the injured soldiers, many of them walking wounded, are in the Palaly hospital.
LTTE’s Ilanthiraiyan also said that there may be more dead soldiers whose bodies are yet to be located. Some of the injured soldiers also could succumb to their wounds. He said the final tally of dead soldiers could be over 200.
Interestingly enough some GOSL and Defence spokespersons are saying that the LTTE suffered more than 200 deaths. Defence spokesperson Brigadier Samarasinghe said that 196 tigers were killed and 312 wounded.
One newspaper has put the LTTE casualty figure at 400. One journal which usually goes to town with stories of security force victories remained silent. There were no stories from the battlefront. News Agencies which initially wrote about “contradictictory” claims of casualties on both sides had after 48 hours concluded that the armed forces had suffered a major debacle.
According to Ilanthiraiyan there were ten LTTE deaths at the end of October 11th. With some of the seriously injured dying the toll had risen to 22 on 12th and 23 on 13th. . There is a strong possibility that the tiger casualty figure could go up in the coming days. The number of injured LTTE was placed as above “muppathu” (thirty) by Ilanthiraiyan. It is learnt reliably that the number of LTTE injured is 101.
Among those killed the most senior tiger so far is a woman Capt. Isaichelvi. Of those killed at least four were from the auxiliary force known as “Makkal Sirappu padaiani”.They are also given Great Hero or “Maaveerar” status. The LTTE’s Imran – Pandian regiment. Sothia and Malathy womens brigades, Victor unit and auxiliary forces were engaged in the fighting.
At least one soldier was taken alive by the LTTE. Samantha Weerasinghe of the 4th Gemunu Watch is now undergoing treatment at the Kilinochchi hospital. The ICRC has inspected the 18 year old youth. According to Colombo based diplomatic sources about five to ten soldiers have been taken alive as unacknowledged prisoners of war by the LTTE.
At this point of time it is difficult to assess the exact number of losses and casualties on both sides. Perhaps the actual figures may never be known. There is however no doubt that in a conflict of see-saw fortunes the “victor” on Oct 11rh was the LTTE. It was truly the day of the tiger
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October 15th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
It was deja vu all over again on Oct 11th 2006!
Five and a half years aho on April 24th 2001 the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) under President Chandrika Kumaratunga launched a military operation called “agni kheela” (fire flame in English and thee chuvaalai in Tamil).
[An SLA armoured personnel carrier destroyed by the LTTE in Operation 'Agni Kheela' near Muhamalai. - Photo:TamilNet]
After intensive aerial bombardment and artillery shelling to “soften up” LTTE defences the armed forces proceeded from positions along the Kilaly – Eluthumadduvaal – Nagarkovil axis towards the South and South – East of the Jaffna peninsula.
The objective was Elephant pass. It was then as is now an issue of prestige as well as strategic importance to regain Elephant pass which had been fallen to the tigers the previous year.
Previously the LTTE had declared a unilateral ceasefire on Christmas day and extended it for four months. The GOSL refused to accept the olive branch extended and continued with provocative tactics. Finally the LTTE called off the ceasefire.
Within two days the armed forces launched Agnikheela.
The troops advanced well into the Pallai – Soranpattru – Massar area with relatively little tiger oppposition. The first few days seemed to indicate that the LTTE was on the verge of defeat.
The International community was conspicuously silent on the firts two days when it appeared that GOSL troops were having the upper hand.
Then the tigers hit back!
In 36 hours the armed forces suffered a humiliating defeat incurring more than 6oo casualties dead and wounded.
The International community (IC)sprang into action. Breaking their silence statements were issued urging both sides to eschew violence and go in for a negotiated settlement. With the Katunayake attack of July 24th the Sri Lankan air force was crippled.
The IC was convinced the LTTE could not be contained by the GOSL. War was discouraged and a negotiated settlement was urged. The Norway facilitated peace process received firm IC backing. The rest was recent history.
Five years history is repeating itself “mutatis mutandis”.
For nearly six months the GOSL armed forces under President Mahinda Rajapakse have been targetting Tamil civilians under the pretext of combatting the tigers.
Aerial bombardment, artillery shelling etc of Tamil civilian habitats have been going on indiscriminately and incessantly/ Tamil civilians have been killed, arbitrarily arrested and made to “disappear” Unbridled state terror went on.
There was also war hysteria being whipped up in the South. Military “victories” were notched up in Maavilaaru, Muthur, Sampoor and Muhamaalai. It was widely proclaimed that the tigers were powerless and turned into kittens. “Kotiya dhan poos patiyek” gloated a Bhikku from Kadhirgaamam (Kataragama).
The Rajapakse regime rode the crest of a hawkish wave. War was the strident demand. The International community did nothing except to make some token gestures and issue mild statements.
It appeared that the world believed Rajapakse’s forces could exterminate the tigers despite violating human rights. They waited for the V – Day.
Some including this column repeatedly pleaded with the IC to take effective steps to bring about an end to the violence. The IC was implored to pressure Mahinda Rajapakse. Nothing substantial happened.
It was like the pre – Agnikheela atmosphere. And then came what was a second Agnikheela on Oct 11th.It was launched despite talks being scheduled for Oct 28th and 29th.
The GOSL made a military advance and was routed in the western side of the same region where Agnikheela occurred. The LTTE struck back and demonstrated that they were vibrant as ever.
Lo and Behold! The International community is coming out of its enforced hibernation. Vehement statements are being issued . Concern is expressed about rising levels of violence. It is being emphasised that both sides should desist from confrontation and resume negotiations. The US, Eu, India are all issuing strong statements.
US Asst Secretary of State Richard Boucher is coming; Japanese special envoy Akashi is coming. So too is Norway’s Hanssen – Bauer and possibly Erik Solheim. Yippee! Hurrah!!
How very nice of the International community to stir themselves into action when the GOSL is in trouble. But why was such inaction when the state was unleashing violence and terror on the Tamils?
Anyway better late than never. Let us hope the IC will hold the scales even at least now.
Humpty – dumpty has had a great fall. Can all the King’s horses and all the King’s men put him together again? Lets hope so!
What led to GOSL Armed forces downfall?An important reason was that the LTTE was waiting in readiness for the assault. The element of surprise was not there.The army was overconfident to the point of arrogance.
The GOSL and its armed forces had certainly been confidently cocksure in the recent past. It considered the limited successes it had enjoyed earlier as a predictable pattern. The GOSL has been engaging in propaganda that the tigers were at a low ebb. This propaganda was widely believed and had led to a strident demand in the South that an all out war be conducted against the LTTE. As former Aiir Force chief and father of present Air Force commander Harry Goonetilleke observed the “Government believed its own propaganda”.
The seeming docility of the LTTE had given the wrong picture to the GOSL. The strategic withdrawals by the LTTE in recent times had bolstered this feeling. Even during the current battle the tigers had initially let the army move in without much resistance. An overconfident army had either walked into or been lured into a deadly trap.
Whatever the statements made by GOSL and Defence spokespersons about the armed forces responding to attacks by the LTTE on the Kilaly – Eluthumadduvaal – Nagar Kovil FDL’s it was common knowledge beforehand that a major onslaught of a “defensive -offensive ” nature was imminent. The objective was to take Elephant pass before talks began in Geneva.
It was only last week that this writer drew attention to this prospect in these columns. A brief excerpt – ” Mahinda and his minions are more concerned with the taking of Elephant pass before talking in Geneva…………………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”
At a time when the Country was being carried away with the belief that the tiger had become a kitten (Koti dhan Poos patiyek) this writer warned that such an assumption was wrong. ” 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.” was what I wrote last week.
It became soon apparent that a major offensive was being planned. Military vehicles had been moving South along the Jaffna – Kandy road bringing in men and materials to Kodikaamam – Mirusuvil – Varany region. Some vehicles had taken stuff to Ariyaalai and Ariyaalaimunai its coastal point along the Jaffna lagoon. Vehicles had also moved along the Jaffna – Point Pedro road and then de-toured to Varany on the Point Pedro – Kodikaamam road. The vehicular movement indicated that war materials were being brought from Palaaly – Kankesanthurai in readiness for a large – scale operation.
The GOSL denied charges of an offensive being planned. It was acknowledged that war materials were being moved to the frontline but the explanation proferred was that depleted stocks were being replenished as a matter of routine and not for offensive purposes.
The LTTE also warned of an imminent GOSL offensive under the pretext of combatting alleged LTTE attacks. Tiger political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan asked the SLMM to go to the Frontlines and ascertain for themselves who the real aggressors were. The GOSL however refused to provide access to the SLMM. The excuse was that their safety could not be guaranteed. This act raised suspicion that the GOSL was hiding something.
The armed forces also commandeered more than 200 boats belonging to Gurunagar – Pashaiyoor fisherfolk. Marine xercises were undertaken with these boats on Oct 9th and 10th in the Jaffna lagoon. It appeared that the armed forces were planning to launch a sea – borne assault across the lagoon to Poonagary on the lagoon. Since the waters were shallow heavy naval boats could not be used and hence the lighter fishing boats it was felt. Intensive aerial bombardment and artillery firing on Poonagary and adjacent Kalmunai strengthened this belief.
On Tuesday Oct 10th the GOSL authorities in Jaffna announced a 45 hour curfew from 8. 00 am to 5.00 am on Thursday Oct 12th in certain places like Koilakkandy, Thanankilappu, Kachai etc. These were all vantage points on the peninsula from where a lagoon crossing to the mainland could have been done.It was widely believed then that an amphibean operation was to be conducted soon.
The conduct of President Mahinda Rajapakse provided further clues about Colombo’s intentions.When representatives of the four co – chairs of the peace process met Mahinda they requested the GOSL to refrain from undertaking military operations because talks were scheduled on Oct 28th and 29th. Rajapakse however parroted his familiar stance about reserving the right to defend the Country from LTTE attacks.
If that was one indication there was also the symbolic gesture of climbing the cockpit of an Israeli K- firs. These bombers have wrought much civilian destruction and the pilots responsible are potential contenders for a war crimes trial. Yet Rajapakse deliberately identified himself with these embodiments of Aerial terror.
Against that backdrop there seems little chance of the campaign for war ceasing. There may be a lull in the fighting but the GOSL will certainly continue with “defensive – Offensive” operations. The Rajapakse regime is built on a war agenda. Mahinda and his sidekicks have gone too far in projecting themselves as latter day “Dutu Gemunus” to hold back now. The Rajapakse regime has enhanced its image in the South that it will not bow down to tiger might. It cannot go for talks after a resounding defeat.
In the self – perception of the GOSL and its armed forces too much is at stake to call off war now.More battles are likely to follow until a decisive stage is reached.The LTTE too cannot lower its military resistance.This situation cannot change for the better until and unless the International community is serious and sincere about ending the war and promoting peace in Sri Lanka.
So then the fighting will very likely continue with occasional lulls.. The sword – bearing lion and grimacing tiger cannot purr and meow like lesser felines. The “Sinhaya” has to roar and the “Puli” has to growl. The Country in general and the Tamil people in particular can only cry out “Aiyo”!
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October 15th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
An important highlight of the fighting between Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on October 11th was the severe losses of armoured vehicles by the army At least twelve armoured fighter vehicles (AFV) and Armoured personnel carriers (APC) were put out of action by the tigers in three hours of fierce combat.
Even as fighting progressed and GOSL troops backed by artillery went forward. the advance was slowed down to some extent by tiger artillery as well as mines. Two Main Battle Tanks (MBT) were hit by anti – tank “monster” mines. These mines were placed and triggered by the Victor unit of the LTTE which specialises in anti – tank and anti – armoured vehicle warfare.
After the first MBT tank was hit and rendered non – operational the second MBT overtook it and proceeded ahead. This too was hit in turn by a “monster” anti – tank mine.
A third armoured vehicle moved in a different direction and fell into a deep, waterlogged ditch. It was a pit dug and covered up with vegetation It was a well cqamouflaged tiger trap.This too was laid by the Victor unit and demonstrated that the LTTE excelled in both using modern weaponery as well as engaging in comparatively “primitive” yet effective warfare tactics.
The LTTE’s Victor anti – tank and armoured unit continued engaging in action during intensive fighting too. Despite losing its founder – commander Lt. Col Akbar to a random army shell on Oct 7th members of the unit fought fiercely. In addition to the earlier losses of two armoured vehicles to “monster” mines and another to a camouflaged pit – trap , three more Armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) were hit by anti – tank RPG’ s and destroyed.
Six AFV’s comprising 4 Czhech built T – 55 ’s and two Russian built BMP’s were put out of action by the Victor unit.
The Victor anti – tank and armoured unit also fired at Chinese built Armoured Personnel carriers with success. Three APC’s were totally destroyed while another three were partially damaged .
Altogether the Victor unit had put six armoured fighting vehicles and six armoured personnel carriers out of action within a few hours of fighting.The armed forces have never sustained such massive losses in this manner before.
Significantly the LTTE suffered a major loss before Wednesday’s fighting. On Oct 7th Lt. Col Akbar of the LTTE was killed along the Muhamaalai FDL as a result of an army shell. Akbar who is a Batticaloa Tamil was the head of the Victor anti – armoured artillery unit which specialises in combatting tanks and armoured vehicles.
Akbar who joined the LTTE in 1990 got married in 2003. He was from its inception the chief of the Victor unit.It was named after former Mannar tiger commander Victor.
This unit known generally among LTTE cadres as the “RPG Commando” had its roots in the “Col” Kittu artillery unit and had its baptism of fire during “operation Sathjaya” in Kilinochchi.It then became a sub – division of the “Imran – Pandian” unit named after two of Prabakharan’s trusted bodyguards.
By 1997- 98 the anti – armoured artillery unit began functioning independently under Akbar.Members of this unit have vertical and not horizontal stripes on their uniforms. Though many stalwarts of this unit like Maj. Navachandran, Lt.Col Manivannan and Lt. Col Chutta are no more Akbar had survived despite being a veteran of many “Jayasikurui: and “Oyatha Alaigal” battles.
Lt. Col Akbar’s death at a critical time may very well have affected LTTE fortunes as the Victor unit was of crucial importance in countering army advances. His death however seems to have inspired his unit members to perform well during war. Instead of being a bad omen it seems to have become the “blood sacrifice” made to the Gods before war to ensure victory. This was a practice in the lost martial tradition of the Tamils that is now being revived by the Liberation Tigers.
[Pic: Courtesy of BBC.co.uk]
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October 15th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Attempts are now being made by interested parties to make a scapegoat out of Army commander Sarath Fonseka. It is being made out that he was solely responsible for the military fiasco. Apparently President Mahinda Rajapakse was in the dark about this. So too was peace secretariat director Palitha Kohona it is being said.
The Joint Operations command did not know about it. The National Security Council chaired by Rajapakse which met on Oct 11th did not know about the on going war in the North.
Only Sarath Fonseka and his hard – line deputies knew about this, it is being insinuated. Rajapakse rapped his defence subordinates it is being said.
Bovine excreta!
Sarath Fonseka did not start this battle on his own. He did so with full support of Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse.
Mahinda Rajapakse and Palitha Kohona are looking bad because they told the four co – chairs and facilitstor Norway that there would be no offensives.
Two factors screwed up things for Colombo. One was the defeat suffered by the armed forces. The other was the handing over of 74 bodies to Red Cross by the LTTE. If these things had not happened the GOSL would have continued with the ruse of having engaged in defensive action.
Now that Rajapakse has been exposed attempts are being made to pass the blame on to Sarath Fonseka. The fact that many top army officers hate Fonseka for his autocratic manner and cronyism is contributing further to the scapegoating exercise.
If Sarath Fonseka really did all this on his own withour informing his supreme commander in chief then he deserves to be removed from office immediately.
Will Rajapakse do that?
No!
“Why”
Because they were all in this together.
If Rajapakse was really misled by Fonseka let the President take action against his army commander.
Already Fonseka is in Jaffna berating his juniors for the disaster and planning a second operation. It is a matter of prestige for him and Mahinda. There will be more fighting and Fonseka will be at the military’s helm.
The army is being reluctantly pressured to go into action again.
The soldiers are lamenting
Before us there is Jony ( LTTE Johnny mines)
Behind us there is Fony (Sarath Fonseka)
transCurrents feedback : editor@transcurrents.com
transCurrents feedback :Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
October 15th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Attempts are now being made by interested parties to make a scapegoat out of Army commander Sarath Fonseka. It is being made out that he was solely responsible for the military fiasco. Apparently President Mahinda Rajapakse was in the dark about this. Soo too was peace secretariat director Palitha Kohona it is being said.
The Joint Operations command did not know about it. The National Security Council chaired by Rajapakse which met on Oct 11th did not know about the on going war in the North.
Only Sarath Fonseka and his hard – line deputies knew about this. it is being insinuated. Rajapakse rapped his defence subordinates it is being said.
Bovine excreta!
Sarath Fonseka did not start this battle on his own. He did so with full support of Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse.
Mahinda Rajapakse and Palitha Kohona are looking bad because they told the four co – chairs and facilitstor Norway that there would be no offensives.
Two factors screwed up things for Colombo. One was the defeat suffered by the armed forces. The other was the handing over of 74 bodies to Red Cross by the LTTE. If these things had not happened the GOSL would have continued with the ruse of having engaged in defensive action.
Now that Rajapakse has been exposed attempts are being made to pass the blame on to Sarath Fonseka. The fact that many top army officers hate Fonseka for his autocratic manner and cronyism is contributing further to the scapegoating exercise.
If Sarath Fonseka really did all this on his own withour informing his supreme commander in chief then he deserves to be removed from office immediately.
Will Rajapakse do that?
No!
Why”
Because they were all in this together.
If Rajapakse was really misled by Fonseka let the President take action against his army commander.
Already Fonseka is in Jaffna berating his juniors for the disaster and planning a second operation. It is a matter of prestige for him and Mahinda. There will be more fighting and Fonseka will be at the military’s helm.
The army is being reluctantly pressured to go into action again.
The soldiers are lamenting
Before us there is Jony ( LTTE Johnny mines)
Behind us there is Fony (Sarath Fonseka)
transCurrents feedback : editor@transcurrents.com
transCurrents feedback :Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
October 15th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Mahendra Percy Rajapakse now known as Mahinda Rajapakse has been a doughty defender of human rights in the past. Mahinda played a very important role in giving leadership to those who resisted the flagrant violations of human rights by the United National Party (UNP)regimes of Junius Richard Jayewardene and Ranasinghe Premadasa. Many of us recall the harsh experience he underwent while going to Geneva with dossiers to expose the UNP record in Human Rights (HR) at the UN.
Mahinda being a solid Southerner from “Bentara Gangata Egodaha” focussed mainly on the state of human rights in the Southern Province. There was nothing wrong in this as it was the South which suffered the most during the second insurgency years of Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Mahinda and Mangala Samaraweera were instrumental in organizing and backing many mass movements and mass fronts against prevailing tyranny of the state then. Rajapakse established himself firmly in the South as an ardent champion of human rights.
Many years later Mahinda Rajapakse has ascended to the position of executive president. He became President due to a chauvinist Sinhala Buddhist campaign spearheaded by the JVP and Jathika Hela Urumaya(JHU) on the one hand and an enforced boycott in the Tamil areas by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the other .
Mahinda the one – time defender is now chief protector of human rights. He is now required to uphold them. Even after becoming President Mahinda has not forgotten to pay lip service to his progressive past. “Mahinda is a man of human rights” he reminds people.
[Poster in Colombo, during 2005 Presidential Election campaign]
Whenever people ranging from Catholic clergy to Tamil Parliamentarians raise human rights issues with their Executive President a smiling Mahinda puts them at ease reiterating that he is committed to human rights and that action will be taken. Depending upon the audience he would vary his responses. To some he would say there was a UNP conspiracy in the armed forces to denigrate him. To others he would talk of a JVP plot. Some would be told that no witnesses were forthcoming. Others would be told that there was an attempt to make him unpopular with Christians.
Whatever the variety of responses there was an underlying common thread. Mahinda was committed to human rights and would always uphold them. The man of the people with his “kurakkan Sataka” would look intensely into the eyes of his audience and assure them that necessary action would be taken. He would then flash that trademark , broad grin of his and put their minds at rest. As Browning’s Pippa sang “God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the world”.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 61st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. AP [Courtesy: DailyNews.lk]
Mahinda was in his element as a “champion of human rights” at the recent UN sessions in New York too. Making his maiden appearance in the UN as Sri Lankan President Mahinda referred to his human rights past in his address.He told the UN 60th General Assembly delegates
“In 1970, when I was first elected to the Parliament of Sri Lanka, a paragraph in the Preamble of the Charter of the United Nations gave substance and direction to my future political life.
“….to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small”
Having been a human rights campaigner at the grass roots level throughout my political life, it was natural that my new government should be committed to carrying the message of democracy to all corners of our multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious country. Democracy, equity and prosperity is our clarion call. In addition, my country has been influenced by the core Buddhist values of non-violence, loving kindness, compassion, equanimity and mindfulness. ”
President Rajapakse also stated ” Given my personal commitment to the promotion of human rights at both localand international level, the establishment of the Human Rights Council with enhanced status and capacity to promote and protect human rights worldwide, is a cause for delight. I am happy that Sri Lanka was elected to the Council in May this year. In honouring a pledge made at the Presidential election last year, we have already started work on crafting a Human Rights Charter in Sri Lanka. Consistent with our goal of safeguarding human rights, my government will establish an international panel to observe investigations into certain alleged human rights violations which my Government has already condemned.”
If mere words alone were the sole criteria to judge political leaders then most of them would pass with flying colours. In the final analysis it is deed and not word alone that counts. Performance is more important than promises.It was former US Attorney – General John Mitchell of Watergate fame who once said of his political ilk ” Look at what we do and not what we say”. It is against that backdrop of actual performance that Mahinda Rajapakse’s professed commitment towards human rights needs to be examined.
It is public knowledge that the HR situation in Sri Lanka has taken a nosedive during Rajapakse’s tenure. In fairness to the President it must be said that much of this in the initial stages was due to provocative acts by the LTTE. Tiger supremo Velupillai Pirapakaran delivered his Great Heroes Day speech ten days after the Presidential election last year. He praised Mahinda as a “pragmatist” and “realist” and then assured him that a period of time would be given Mahinda to prove his bona fides.. Rajapakse thanked Praba publicly.
Yet within weeks the assurance was honoured in the breach. Unprovoked and unjustified attacks were launched against the Police and armed forces in the North – East. The LTTE disclaimed responsibility for these attacks and said the people were responsible. It was widely reported that the LTTE sponsored Peoples militia was behind these attacks ranging from Claymore ambushes to pistol group assassinations. One reason for the LTTE launching these attacks may have been due to a perception that Rajapakse was going to adopt a hawkish policy. The appointment of people like Ratnasiri Wickramanayake, Gothabhaya Rajapakse, Sarath Fonseka, HMGP Kotakadeniya etc to important posts may have conveyed the impression to the LTTE that Rajapakse was a hardliner.
As attacks increased a beleaguered Rajapakse asked the LTTE publicly not to drive him up against the wall. There was a limit to his patience he warned. The unsaid message in Walasmulla – Weeraketiya fashion was “Mama hondata hondai; narakata narakai”. (I am good to the good and bad to the bad) Elaborate plans to beef up the armed forces were made and rapidly implemented. The USA, China and Pakistan began lending support overtly and covertly.
More importantly the Government of Mahinda Rajapakse shed all inhibitions regarding human rights which earlier regimes had in relation to handling the ethnic crisis. The Sri Lankan state had ruthlessly suppressed two insurgencies in the South in 1971 and 1988 – 89. All laws became silent. In order to suppress the JVP rebellions the state and its agencies conducted a massive and cruel campaign of repression. The state succeeded in doing so but the biggest casualty was human rights.
Though the Sinhala dominated state has engaged in repressive activity vis a vis the Tamil liberation struggle it had never been prior to the Rajapakse regime been as brutal in the North – East as it was in the South. Though most Tamils have certainly been victimised by the state the consequences of the JVP revolt as undergone by deprived sections of Sinhala society were qualitatively worse and terrible.
Now this situation was being reversed and the anti – JVP response was to be adopted.. It was felt in the corridors of power that a hard and harsh response to the LTTE was needed. Incomplete and inaccurate understanding of the nature of the Tamil liberation struggle had made many Sinhala hardliners believe that the Tamil national question could be resolved through force. It was perceived solely as a “terrorist” and not political problem. If and when the LTTE was crushed any kind of settlement could be imposed on the Tamils in particular and the minorities in general it was felt.
This kind of political ideology – if one may call it that – had always existed in Sinhala political discourse but it was usually marginal and seldom entrenched in positions of power. Now for the first time proponents of a dangerous policy were in power. The cutting edge of this policy was militaristic domination.
Those who advocated a military solution to a largely political question had a common complaint. The armed forces were capable of destroying the LTTE but the Governments of the day were not allowing them to do so. Besides undue concern for civilan lives and property, human rights and international opinion was hampering military efforts it was felt.
What was required therefore was a full – fledged military effort to exterminate the LTTE. This meant not only overt but also covert warfare. The ‘war” had to be fought on many fronts. Civilian casualties should not be of any consequence. Aerial bombardment and artillery attacks were to be launched with scant regard for civilans. A dirty war was also necessary. Paramilitary groups aligned to the state had to be used to weed out tigers and perceived fellow travellers. The civilian population had to be terrorised and subjugated.
The LTTE had reached its present position of pre – eminence through terror tactics alone it was believed. So the state had to do the same it was felt. Fire was to be fought with fire.Eggs had to be broken if an omelette was to be made. Such deadly doctrines have been advocated before during the times of Jayewardene, Premadasa, Wijetunga and Kumaratunga. Despite their shortcomings none of these Presidents had been willing to go beyond a certain limit.. But with Mahinda the man of human rights it was different. The green light was given.
For the first time in decades of ethnic conflict the political executive and military hierarchy are of the same mind and perspective. There have a common goal. The President is willing to give a free hand to the security forces to do what they want as long as they complete the task. There is no check or balance by the civil administrationon on the military. There is no ethical dilemma about means and ends. The end justifies the means is the credo. There is a climate of impunity never ever seen before. There is little or no consideration at all for civilians and their human rights. The Country and world are seeing the results of this approach now.
Assassinations, abductions, killings, injuries, disappearances, torture, indiscriminate aerial bombardment and artillery attacks,displacement, curtailment of employment in areas like fishing, massive number of Internally displaced persons, denial of relief and rations to IDP’s, denial of accommodation and sanitary facilities to IDP’s, restriction of transport, diminished food distribution leading to famine like conditions, deprivation of medicine and infant food, disruption in education and employment, massive cordon and search operations, mass arrests and public humilation, harassment of media, systematic persecution of a particular ethnicity amounting to genocide etc is being perpetrated.
The Tamil people are being selectively and ruthlessly targetted. Priests, politicians, journalists, industrialists, businessmen, professionals, student activists, human rights workers, NGO employees etc are either disappearing or being killed. Tamil traders are being abducted, killed or released for ransom in the heart of Colombo itself. Disproportionate use with scant regard for civilian safety was adopted in aerial and artillery attacks. Though it was claimed that specific LTTE positions were targetted it is not entirely so in practice. Foreign NGO’s are not being allowed to go into affected Tamil areas where deaths, destruction and displacement has taken place.
Despite Mahinda’s pious assertions about being committed to human rights and justice no constructive action has been taken in any case brought to his notice. The Trincomalee beach murder of five students, Pungudutheevu rape killing of Dharshini, headless corpses in Avissawela, Uthayan newspaper attack, Nelliaddy murder, Puthur murder, Manthuvil disappearances, TRO employee disappearances in the East, Vankalai murder, Messacre in Peasalai Church, Muthur International aid worker killings, are but some of the instances yet awaiting justice. So too are the unsolved killings of former Amparai district MP Chandranehru Ariyanayagam, National list MP Joseph Pararajasingham, former Parliamentarian Sivamaharajah, disappearance of Catholic Priest Fr. Jim Brown etc. There are also the abductions and disappearances of Tamil businessmen .
[A goat wandering near the office of ACF, Muthur]
A relevant example illustrating the anti – people approach of the Rajapakse regime and its callous disregard for civilian life is the conduct of its Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols or deep penetration squads. When these licensed assassins sanctioned by the state infiltrated tiger territory and laid out their claymores during Kumaratunga’s tenure only leaders of the LTTE like Shankar, Nizam, Gangai Amaran etc were targetted. But after these operations were revived by Defence secretary Gotabhaiya Rajapakse Tamil civilians have been indisciminately victimised.
Rajapakse may wax eloquent about his human rights background but the existential reality is that the human rights situation is on the wane in Sri Lanka. Rajapakse may have appointed a minister to be in charge of human rights and Sri Lanka may be a member of the UN human rights council but Tamils in the Island are being deprived of their rights in a manner unsurpassed. Rajapakse may boast of a human rights charter in the making but when existing structures are not being utilised to uphold human rights it is a foregone conclusion that the envisaged charter would only be a worthless document.
It is an incontrovertible fact that unbridled state terror has escalated during Mahinda Rajapakse’s reign. A virtual carte blanche seems to have been given to the state’s security forces and allied elements to engage in human rights violations to protect the so called unity and territorial integrity of the Country. There is a climate of impunity prevailing that has not existed before. No act of omission or commission by the Police, security forces or their mercenary running dogs has been punished. On the other hand people who came forward to seek justice like Dr. Manoharan in Trincomalee have been harassed and intimidated.
One reason for the complex nature of the ethnic crisis today is the fact that its consequences have gone far beyond the original causes. Likewise whatever the rationale for Mahinda Rajapakse’s hawkish approach towards the Tamils the consequences on ground have gone far beyond any mitigating rationalisation. In trying to combat the terror tactics of the LTTE the state and its minions have resorted to counter – measures amounting to unadulterated state terror. Sadly the Tamil civilians due to no fault of their own are caught between two terrors.
The LTTE has to bear much of the blame for this deteriorating situation. The original “sin” of the LTTE was helping Rajapakse gain power through its enforced boycott. It then launched its peoples war.An attempt was made on the army commander’s life.The LTTE refused to stay the course in remaining at the negotiating table. Its conduct in Oslo was unpardonable.The tigers also aggravated the war situation by incidents like the Maavilaaru blockade, Muthur raid, Mandaitheevu raid, Muhamaalai offensive etc. By their actions the LTTE has provided Rajapakse an excuse to engage in repressive action.
The reality however is that the Tamil people and not the tigers are bearing the brunt of state terror. It is the people and not the LTTE who are suffering greatly.Besides the LTTE has received international condemnation for its conduct. Punitive measures have been enforced. 25 European Countries, the USA, Canada, India etc have banned them as a terrorist organization. The LTTE has been exposed internationally.
But the Rajapakse regime is yet to be exposed as an exponent of state terror. The dice is loaded in Colombo’s favour because most state actors have not been averse in using terror tactics at times. The established states will stick together and go lenient on a fellow state as opposed to a non – state actor. This “fraternal feeling” was to Rajapakse’s advantage. Also the LTTE was regarded as a notorious outfit. The International Community was pissed off at its behavious. It was also seen as an impediment to peace.
The Colombo government exploited the situation well. Its request that the international community should ban the LTTE for example was justified on the grounds that only such sanctions could make the tigers come to the negotiating table. Military actions were supposedly against LTTE targets only it was claimed. Initially many Countries and organizations remained inactive in the face of mounting state terror. This may have been due to a feeling that the tigers needed a hard knock to be made to see sense.This enabled Rajapakse to get away so far with what he was doing.
That illusion is now evaporating. It is becoming crystal clear that the Sri Lankan state has war on its agenda and not a just peace. Its score card in the deploying of disproportionate force, promoting state terror, disregard for civilian life and rights, large scale violation of human rights etc has demonstrated that the Rajapakse regime is becoming another Frankensteinian monster. Mahinda’s “Panchabalavegaya” of Gotabhaya Rajapakse as Defence secy, Sarath Fonseka as Army commander , Kotakadeniya as Defence adviser, PTB Kohona as Peace secretariat chief and Rambukwella as Defence spokesperson , is helping to expose the true nature of this regime.
Though state actors abide by “club” rules and stand together there comes a time when a member’s behaviour becomes intolerable. When a fellow member becomes too much of an embarassment. then other members need to take action. A powerful or influential Country like the USA, Britain, Israel or China can get way with anything (As is happening now) but a country on the fast track to becoming a “failed state” cannot do so. No Country that is dependent on external aid for sheer survival can hold its head high. When the chips are down there is nobody to bail it out.
The first cracks are appearing. Several organizations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International Commission of Jurists, Refugee International and several UN agencies and officials have begun criticising Colombo. UN Secretary – General Kofi Annan, Indian PM Manmohan Singh , AI head Irene Khan etc have conveyed their concern directly to Rajapakse. There is growing pressure on Colombo to accommodate International monitoring of human rights in Sri Lanka.The EU which banned the LTTE has also tabled a resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva. Ironically Sri Lanka is a member of the Council.
All these developments point to the fact that the International Community is realising fast that the human rights situation is rotten in the state of Sri Lanka. Even if some Countries for geo – strategic reasons support Sri Lanka the overwhelming tide of International public opinion can engulf this support in the future. Sri Lanka is not in the international dog house yet. But it may be there soon unless it addresses the problem of human rights urgently, genuinely and constructively.
This criticism of Colombo by the International Community does not mean that the LTTE will be let off the hook. The mere fact that the Tamils are suffering will not automatically translate into support for the LTTE. For the tigers to redeem themselves in the eyes of the International Community a thorough overhauling is needed in the politico – diplomatic sphere. The LTTE has to take heed of the advice and suggestions proffered by the International community and transform itself. That is the only way for tiger redemption as far as the IC is concerned.
Given the Rajapakse regimes commitment to a unitary state and its policy of escalating war under the pretext of “defensive” measures there seems little use in the tigers going to the negotiating table. But the LTTE cannot afford to do that. If the LTTE wants to expose the true nature of the Rajapakse regime it has to go in for talks and stay the course . It is only at the table that the LTTE can pull down the Government’s fig leaf. The inability of the tigers and their supporters to realise this simple truth and act accordingly is affecting the Tamil people drastically.
The fact that the LTTE was banned by the EU on the request of Sri Lanka was perceived by Colombo as being a windfall. It was true to some extent. But this is now proving to be counter productive. After having banned the LTTE in the interests of peace the EU is seeing all hopes of peace being shattered due to the Rajapakse regime’s gung ho attitude. Tamils are undergoing human rights violations on a massive scale due to state terror. The IC is belatedly recognizing that the Rajapakse regime cannot be treated on par with earlier governments.The International Community therefore is constrained to rein in Mahinda and ease the burden on the Tamil civilians.
Any resolution or statement on Sri Lanka are not likely to single out the Government alone. Both sides would be blamed or criticised and a sense of balance would prevail. Such is the art of diplomacy and international relations. Advice will be tendered and appeals made to both sides. Yet the fact that the sovereign, democratically elected Government of Mahinda Rajapakse is being equated with the tigers of Velupillai Pirapakaran could be an embarassing erosion of the regimes image. Democratic Governments have a greater obligation to abide by human rights standards than organizations branded as terrorist.
History records the cases of many leaders and statespersons who were at one time respected as freedom fighters, patriots and nation builders and who led their people to independence from Colonial rule. Yet after years of self – rule the image of these leaders become tarnished. They lose the respect and support of their people as well as the world. Kwame Nkhruma, Bung Soekarno, Robert Mugabe are but a few names that come to mind. Very often they try to rest on laurels attained during independence struggle to stave off rising discontent.
Mahinda Rajapakse is like that when speaking of his past as a champion of human rights. He is the President today and is required to uphold the human rights of all Sri Lankan citizens including Tamils. This is a responsibility he cannot shirk. The reality today is that the Tamils are undergoing human rights violations and violence on an unprecedented, massive scale. Much of this is due to state terror. Mahinda cannot talk about his past as a HR defender in the present situation. His duty is to uphold human rights for all of Sri Lanka.
transCurrents feedback : editor@transcurrents.com
transCurrents feedback :Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
October 6th, 2006
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