transcurrents

‘Win the people to defeat LTTE completely’- V. Anandasangaree

by Lynn Ockersz

Winning the confidence of the people in the “cleared areas” by the government and restoring to them all that they have lost is a key to defeating the terror campaign of the LTTE, President, Tamil United Liberation Front, and ex-MP V. Anandasangaree reveals in this interview with ‘The Island”.

The veteran Tamil politician said that a principal tragedy affecting Sri Lanka today is the lack of fellow feeling among sections of the people as a result of escalating violence. He said that, although fortunately, ethnic violence is on the wane, fear and tension in the lives of the people are on the increase. Indicating the inadequacy of a military solution to the conflict, he said a political solution should go hand-in-hand with military action by the state.

Extracts of the interview:

Q: With the government claiming that the LTTE has been decisively weakened in particularly the Eastern Province, what role would you be playing in Sri Lanka’s current politics?

A: More than 90 to 95 percent of the Eastern Province has been cleared. Yet, there are a lot of mopping-up operations to be undertaken. Because a handful of people could trouble the government since they are a guerrilla group. What the government should do, however, is win over the people. The people should be given all that they have lost. The people should themselves feel the difference in how they suffered under the LTTE over the years and how they are being treated now by the government, through the provision of all the relief they need. The people must be won over to get precise, necessary information over LTTE hideouts etc. There will be persons who will be carrying weapons even in Jaffna, in so-called cleared areas. The LTTE would be having enough weapons concealed all over. Acquiring weapons is not a problem for them.

Q: Wouldn’t the recent sinking of LTTE arms shipments make a difference, to the group’s fighting capability?

A: That will make a big difference. It is a good thing the government has done this. They are virtually crippled. Ultimately they would need to depend on guerrilla attacks. To prevent these developments the people must be got together. Today there was an incident in one of the cleared areas. Some STF people had died and people in the area had been assaulted by some members of the Army. This is foolish behaviour. After all, the people are helpless. Such conduct would not help in winning over the people. The people should feel that the Army is helping them, rather than harassing them.

As for my role in politics, it is quite well known. I am very careful. I am not antagonising anyone. I am of the opinion that by fighting and antagonising anyone we are gaining nothing. For the last three or four years I have been on a mission. Whoever I meet, whether it be Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim, I insist that a solution to our conflict must be found and this solution must be acceptable and reasonable, for us to sell it to the people, so much so that people have given up the idea of separation. Most ordinary Tamils did not want separation. It was only demanded at the political level. The ordinary people, on the other hand, wanted peace and goodwill to prevail among all communities. The role that I wish to play and will be playing would not change from the one I have been playing so far.

The UNP is under the misunderstanding that I have condemned them in a recent statement made by me. This is not true. I am one person who is most affected by their decision on the federal issue. Because I have been going around telling the people even the international community, that 49.7 percent of the electorate have voted for the UNP for a federal solution. That is almost half and I campaign for more support. So, when overnight almost the position is changed on the federal issue, the 49.7 percent I depended on is denied me and I am the most affected.

Q: Do you intend speaking to the LTTE?

A: There is no point in speaking to them. No one can talk to them. Consider how many persons have gone to the Wanni. Did anyone come out and meet them? Only some middlemen were sent out by the LTTE to speak to them. So, there is no point in speaking to the LTTE, but I speak to others to agree to a solution, the LTTE cannot reject. Although the LTTE has been attending peace talks they have never openly said that they are giving up separatism. They keep on saying that “the thirst of the Tigers is to set up Tamil Eelam.” So there is no point in talking to the LTTE on this matter.

What we should do is win over the others and make our side strong. I don’t object to the word ‘federal’ being given up because some people are allergic to the term. If they don’t want to use the word ‘federal’ it is perfectly all right. But let them at least agree not to use the word ‘unitary’ also. So that you leave it in suspense. Those who want to call the state ‘federal’ could do so; those who want to call it ‘unitary’ could do so as well. Now consider the Indian constitution. They do not call it ‘federal’ or ‘unitary’, but they are for ‘unity in diversity’. That is the slogan which should be used for Sri Lanka too.

Q: Would the position taken by the major political parties of the South, including the UNP, that maximum devolution and not federalism should be the answer to the conflict, help in resolving the National Question?

A: I have been telling the President too that simply saying “maximum devolution” would not help. You must come out openly in favour of a change. In as much as certain sections of the Sinhala people are worried about the use of the term ‘federal’, equally you have some sections of the Tamils who are very allergic to the use of the word ‘unitary’. So, I have told the President, several times, if two packages are offered, one based on the Indian model and the other based on some other model but with more powers than those devolved on the Indian model, I would still prefer the Indian model, for the simple reason that it could be easily sold. What is contained in the Indian model everyone knows.

On the other hand, if you say that what we are going to give you is much more than the powers in the Indian model, it is not going to sell. The Indian model can be marketed, the other one cannot although more devolved powers are on offer.

Q: Is three a military solution to the conflict?

A: What have they achieved so far? They say they have cleared the East, but have they completely? They haven’t. Military action should go along with a political solution. These should go hand-in-hand.

How long it would take for the government to decide which powers would be devolved? Is the All Party Conference necessary? Is the Experts’ Committee necessary? No. Two responsible persons could sit together and draft the constitution. Because it is now known to everyone what is wanted and what is not wanted.

Once you go to the people with your solution and if the people have any doubts about it, the international community could play a role in clarifying these doubts. It could say the proposals are reasonable if they are really so and that the Tamils should accept them. You have a number of countries in the international community where federalism has thrived. We may not perhaps call these federal states but define them as states where minority rights have been protected.

Countries having constitutions with these features could be studied and proposed as models for a solution. The international community too could study these constitutions and say “fine” or suggest adding this or those powers. On doing this if the international community is convinced that the government is honest about finding a solution, then it could recommend the model to the people and the people would have the courage to accept it without any reservations.

I am not saying the government is not sincere. It is sincere in finding a solution. Unfortunately there are the constraints. I don’t want to spell them out. The people concerned must adjust themselves and act according to their consciences. How many persons die daily! Everyday how many billions worth of property is being destroyed! However, leave aside the property. A limb lost could never be regained. A life lost is lost forever.

And what about the fear and tension? While I am talking to you here, an incident may occur elsewhere in which someone known to me is involved. There is tension. You cannot freely walk along the street. This doesn’t affect only the Tamils and the Muslims. The whole country is affected.

What if some lunatic plants a claymore mine on Galle Road? What about those bus incidents in the South where scores of people were affected and injured? Why should the whole country constantly live in tension, a country which should flourish?

A country which should be in a position to provide thousands of jobs to foreigners is now having its people going in search of jobs. Our economy has gone to the dogs. The fear for one’s life is pervasive.

However, I am happy that there is no communal tension now; to the extent to which it existed in the past. In the past when 12 or 13 soldiers were killed, the country was plunged into flames. Today, if similar incidents occur there is no one to rouse communal tensions.

So the tension prevailing today stems mainly from the fear for one’s life. I am one who went around the country, in the days gone by, sometimes all alone. Can I do that today? Those who are claiming to be patriots and are opposing devolution today, have not tasted the bitterness of terrorism. It is so bitter you can’t take it. You wouldn’t know how terrible terror is until you experience it.

I have lost six members of my own family to terrorism. One I lost in the London bombing, the one Lankan to die in that incident. She happened to be my brother’s lovely daughter.

What is wrong here is that people are not feeling for others. This is the massage I give the LTTE also. There are certain photographs that appear in the papers, in those newspapers supporting the LTTE. These photographs show the kith and kin of LTTE fighters who die in action, wailing, weeping and beating their breasts over the dead cadres. This is how the others who are killed by the LTTE would feel too. This the LTTE must realize. The LTTE is not sent by God to be our liberators.

In our case, when a dear one close to us is killed by the LTTE our grief is grater because an innocent person has been killed. In the LTTE’s case, a guilty person has been killed – one who has been responsible for the killing of innocent persons. The persons who weep and cry for dead LTTE cadres must realise that the grief of those who weep for those who are killed by the LTTE, is greater than their’s because the LTTE has killed innocent persons.

Q: What should be the main ingredients in a well thought-out political solution?

A: People must lead a contented life. They should have no fears. In a recent letter to the papers I have cited the case of India. Indians are very patriotic. I related the story of this old Indian beggar woman in rags, who, while roaming the streets takes out of a dustbin a torn national flag of her country. Saddened on seeing the torn flag, she patches it by using a piece of cloth torn off her tattered Saree. This proved her devotion to her country. This story brought tears to many an eye in India. Do you think we would do that here?

We say we love our country, but merely loving our country is not patriotism. We must love not only our country but its people too. I am a patriot because I love Sri Lanka and its people. Not only Tamils, but Sinhalese, Muslims, Burghers and other communities also. I love everyone, irrespective of caste, creed race and religion.

Every person in Sri Lanka should be contented. If contentedness is brought about, you will find people respecting the country, its flag, its anthem etc. Many people in this country, may be even as high as 90 percent, do not genuinely love this country, its flag and its anthem. They say they do so out of a sense of form. We respect our school flags more than we do our national flag. Why? Because in school there is no tension, we are contended. We are happy that we have our own principals, teachers etc.

But if you take the country as a whole, how many persons proudly say they are Sri Lankans? A person has the right to say he or she is a Sri Lankan only when he or she loves the country and the people in it. This is one ingredient for peace.

Then, we must have at least one square meal a day for everyone. People must be categorized. There are those who do not receive any income. These persons must be provided at least the main commodities – rice, wheat flour, sugar etc.

There is hardly any communalism among our people at present. More than half the Tamil population is living among the Sinhalese. It is only some politicians who speak communal rubbish. The people in a typical Sinhala village are God-fearing, they love their neighbour, they respect others religions. Squabbles occur occasionally among neighbours anywhere but on the whole they are peace-loving.

Q: Does a climate exist in the East for the holding of local government elections?

A: When people are dying what is the point in holding elections particularly in the Eastern Province? We’ll be only losing more valuable lives. There is an armed group which is hiding in the jungles, which is acting as a terrorist group. If there are others carrying arms, they all must be persuaded to disarm. All other groups must be united, they must have only one enemy. All groups must be united against this one group which may not like to get into the democratic fold. Until such a situation, where there is trust and unity among these groups fighting a common enemy, I don’t think elections could be held. If these groups get together then around 90 percent security could be guaranteed.

Besides, the displaced must get back to their respective homes. Those people have been living for more than one year under tin roofs and under tents. Until all these persons get back to their homes and lead normal lives I don’t think the holding of an election is advisable.

Q: Does India have a role to play in resolving our conflict?

A: India has a role definitely. We have reports of a massive quantity of lethal material, such as ball razors and aluminium balls being seized by the Indian Navy. If such material had been smuggled in, the country would have been devastated. Such detections were possible on account of the alertness of the Indian Navy and the Tamilnadu Police.

I am sure our Navy got some intelligence input from the Indian Navy to destroy all the LTTE vessels carrying armaments to this country recently. Such is the help India could render.

Then there is Tamilnadu to consider, which has a Tamil population at least thrice more than our’s. The majority of these people are opposed to the LTTE and hate it for having assassinated an illustrious Indian leader, former Premier Rajiv Gandhi in Tamilnadu. But there are a few people who are like eels – showing the tail and the head – who support the LTTE. These are opportunistic politicians.

So, the moment India comes in and tells these persons, “Ok, be quiet, we’ll negotiate with the Lankan government and get powers devolved on the North-East, on the lines on which they are devolved on the Indian states”, they are silenced. People such as Nedumaran, Vaiko etc are silenced. For, they cannot ask for powers in excess of what they are enjoying in India, for us.

One must remember that India was here to help us within four hours of the Tsunami tragedy. Whenever we are in distress, they are there, whenever our security is threatened they are there, whenever there is tension in Tamilnadu they are there. The Indian government would have helped us if Nedumaran came here.

Q: Will the North-East merger continue to be a demand of the Tamil people? Why is this issue so important to the Tamil community?

A: There are people who argue that since more than half the Tamil population lives with the Sinhalese in the South, there is no need for a merger of the North-East. This is no argument. The TULF decided on the merger on account of the common interests that the Tamil people of the North-East share. It could provide for linguistic unity.

In these provinces, for example, there are more Hindu temples, more Tamils schools, more Tamil-speaking people. The Tamil-speaking people of the provinces have common interests. So we decided on a linguistic state.

I recently told a well known Buddhist priest: “Why bother about this merger. I would like to have a ‘Sinhalse as my neighbour on my right, when I live in the North-East, and a Muslim as a neighbour on my left so that I could enjoy fraternal ties with them. I could have Kiribath for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and ‘Vattalapan’ for Ramazan. We could live like friends in peace and harmony.

Q: So in this merged North-East province all communities are welcome?

A: Exactly. They are welcome. You see, the moment we attempt to tamper with the rights of the Sinhalese, the whole country would react. This is a check against abuses. The North-East would be open to all the communities, similar to how we live in the South. [Courtesy: The Island]

18 comments October 17th, 2007

SLMC Not Bound with Any Party

by Shanika Sriyananda

Congress (SLMC) says that they had joined the government as both parties have a collective vision to develop the country but is not a slave of any of the state policies. The Leader of the SLMC and Minister of Posts and Telecommunication Rauff Hakeem, who is now clamouring for acquiring more ‘power’ as a minister and ready to end the ‘UPFA – SLMC marriage’ when he is unhappy with the way the government treat them, told the Sunday Observer that the SLMC is not permanently bound with any political party. He said that the SLMC would never let down the Mahinda Rajapaksa government until it secures the best interest of the people.

Following are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: How do you see the current political situation in the country?

A: There need to be de-escalation of hostilities as far as the war-front is concerned and on the top of it we also wish there could be acrimony among the parties in the South regarding a solution to the ethnic problem. This is basically is the wish of almost all the minority forces in this country.

Q: The general belief is that the SLMC is now more loyal to the UNP and the National United Alliance (NUA) is closer to the PA. So, do you think that you have betrayed the aspirations of the late leader?

A: I would say definitely not. In the first place I must disagree with you on the issue of us being a virtual appendage of the UNP. Of course we have entered into an electoral understanding at the time we contested the elections together. We have always contested on our own in many areas though we have contested with the UNP in some areas because we had to mutually strengthen each other.

We maintained our individual identity in many areas but in the meantime we also made use of the advantage in the present PR system through understanding with a major party.

That does not mean that we became virtually dependent of that party by coming into an electoral understanding.

In my opinion, though may we have come into an electoral understanding, one cannot jump to the conclusion that we have virtually become slaves of their policies. Of course, collectively we have a vision for the country. In contributing towards that collective vision, we have come to some understanding.

So, in our alliance or understanding with the present government, we have still not arrived at a broader policy framework because we joined the government half way through at the request of this government.

Q: What kind of a relationship exists between the SLMC and the NUA now?

A: I cannot speak for Mrs. Ashraff. But unfortunately Mrs. Ashraff, in my opinion, should not have broken away from the SLMC and we should be in one fold. But this has been inevitably weakened the party to some extent. She is the only NUA member in Parliament who is elected.

The NUA and ourselves are partners in establishing the Peace Secretariat for Muslims. That is a significant achievement where at least we had come together. As far as the peace process is concerned we do not have divergent opinions in presenting our views to resume negotiations.

At present we the SLMC is dominating in all the areas where the Muslims are living and when it comes to the Eastern province, now we control 11 local authorities. I do not think the NUA or any other party can claim to have power at local authority level. That shows you where the support lies.

Q: As one major political party that represents Muslims do you think Muslims are politically divided today?

A: Muslims are politically divided not only today. Ever since Independence they are politically divided. This is not a new phenomenon. For that matter, every community is divided today.

It will be ideal and for all of us to find a common ground on vital issues that concern the community. But that kind of consensus is difficult task to achieve. We have also know that when the need arises, we had always displayed collective responsibility at crucial times on behalf of the community.

Q: What are the major problems faced by Muslims today according to your assessment?

A: We have problems in every corner. At present, the law and order situation, particularly in the North and the East is a matter of concern.

Though the government has re-established its control in some areas, there appears to be para-military groups which appear to be having their own writ in some of these pockets. Some steps are being taken now progressively to see that the entire law and order responsibility would come within the Police Department and no other armed group would be allowed to engage in police functions or to conduct their own ‘Kangaroo courts’. But this exercise, according to the Defence Secretary, has begun where he has given strict orders to prevent these armed groups enforcing their own writs in these areas.

The other important step that needs to be taken is to make the police force truly a multi-ethnic force. In my opinion, police in local areas should reflect the ethnic composition to win the confidence of the people. Now there is so much of mistrust in law and order machinery.

There is the language problem on one have and on the other religious and cultural misunderstanding. I believe, the police should be more friendly towards the local population as no police force can function without the support of the local population.

I think that if the police and the law enforcement authorities had taken timely effective preventive action, most of these disturbances could never have occurred.

Those who are responsible to maintain law and order, particularly the police appeared to be closing the stable after the horse had bolted. This is what happened in most of the serious cases where communal disturbances took place. This must be corrected. To get the confidence of the people they must have the feeling that the police are not an alien force.

Q: How far here the aspirations of Muslims achieved under the Mahinda Rajapaksa government? Are you satisfied with the steps taken by this government to solve these problems?

A: We have joined the government seven months ago. When it comes to attempts of forcible settlements and then dismantling previous settlements or resettlement of IDPs there are problems.

There are attempts under the patronage of some influenced people to deprive land owners of their permits to cultivate the lands. These instances were highlighted by us.

What we found is that these things have to be nipped in the bud before they are allowed to escalate. We have various hot spots like those in the East and whenever such things happen we will take action quickly to bring them to the notice of the government agent of the area or higher officials or the President’s advisor, so that we can prevent them.

Whenever we complain to the government, they have given us the assurance that it would not to allow such things to take place. We have had mixed results.

Q: What is the situation of the Eastern region after it was liberated from the LTTE?

A: There are steps taken to improve the livelihood activities. Some restrictions by the government have affected hundreds and thousands of people in this region and these should be relaxed in order to allow the fishermen to engage in fishing in their traditional fishing areas.

The strict checks on movement of people and vehicles have caused some delay and disenchantment among the public. So, the cumbersome procedures that have been put into place need to be dismantled as they appear to be affecting the return to complete normalcy. These people need to feel that they are living peacefully.

There is no point in liberating an area if we are unable to bring it to total normalcy.

We know that it is bound to take a little while. We do admit that there are practical difficulties in bringing in the climate of absolute safety overnight. But that need is an urgent priority.

Q: Once the SLMC has blamed the government for not consulting the party about the development programs in the East, where a large number of Muslims are displaced. Did you get an opportunity to discuss the matter with the government?

A: The government had few discussions with members of the Parliament and the officials regarding their ‘Nagenahira Navodaya’ program.

One particular feature of this program is a top to down process. What I would wish to see is a bottom to top process. Any development must start from the grass roots upwards. But as it is, we have top down process. And here we need to take all our requirements and get the approval from the top.

We would appreciate if there is better coordination and consultation, so that more inputs can be made in identifying different programs that could be beneficial for the people of the area.

These projects would be sustainable so that one would not overlap with the other and also can prevent unnecessary wastage of funds.

I see even in this budget, the appropriation bill shows us that over Rs. 130 billion have been allocated to Nation Building. Here one Ministry has got a large allocation of funds. This is the question of how much of consultation that is taking place with Ministers representing different areas and how much it is properly planned before the government embarks on very ambitious ventures.

Q: Do you think that as a responsible political party the SLMC has lost the chance to look into the grievances of the Muslim community in the North and the East?

A: Certainly not. We have been a primary political force which has focused on the issues of Muslims and not simply of the people in the North and the East but also those who are living outside the North and the East. We certainly do look into people’s grievances and try to solve some problems. We are not a political party that help only the Muslims but the non-Muslims in other areas.

Q: Now the government is planning to conduct elections in the East. How conducive is the climate in the Eastern region to hold Provincial Council and Local Government elections?

A: Unless the government is confident that they can maintain law and order fully under their purview it is unlikely that they will get the people’s support as they are somewhat reluctant to be involved in elections. First, the cultural violence that appeared to have taking place in some areas may have to be de-escalated very fast. Proper monitoring of the law and order should be put into place.

The conducive climate for the democratic political process to hand over nominations and contest will have to be ensured. For the major political forces to contest in the elections, they must first feel that they are safe.

And also it should be ensured that the prevailing security situation would not be disturbed by intimidation harassment. These are the vital elements that the government must first ensure before deciding on an election.

Q: How do you see the attempts by the opposition and some political parties to topple the government and are you a part of that secret deal while you are supporting the government?

A: Unfortunately always this suspicion is aired about the SLMC. It is a very unenviable position. We do have a strong leverage in national politics. But, as we are a principal party, we do not believe in conspiracies and behind the scene negotiations.

We always deal with thing very openly and we have been told those people in the government with whom we are having these deals that any discussions with the SLMC need to be very transparent.

We have no permanent binding to any political force in this country and our only interest is to secure the best interest of people who voted us. We joined this government with the hope that the best interest will be safeguarded.

As long as this government stands by those assurances and treat us with dignity I do not think that this government has anything to fear.

The government must allow us to function freely in the areas where we have been given responsibilities; we should be able to carry out our work within our purview so we can do justice to the positions that we are holding under this government.

I, as a Minister in charge I must bring down the tariff on phone. I must be able to implement policies which will allow people to have better facilities at less cost.

Power should not be concentrated on one place and it should be shared. Development funds must be made available to everyone to work and contribute. This is our expectation and this is what we call dignity. Then we can call ourselves full partners of this government.

Q: Does this mean that you are not satisfied with the functions assigned to you or are you not given a free hand in your Ministerial functions?

A: I would say we could do more and we are all under utilised. Power is entrusted to us to be able to do our work.

Q: Do you say that you are a powerless Minister?

A: No. I think I can do much more in the telecommunication sector.

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission is a body that always being a part of this Ministry but it is not under the Ministry at present.

To drive polices and to have healthy competition, there has to be a proper guidance and political leadership. Now the entire Ministry is a shell without the TRC. The day I took over as the Minister I told the President that without the TRC that this ministry is of no use.

If it is given to me, I must be in a position to have control and supervision over the Board and administration and then only we can improve the services.

I am sure that I could do more in the telecommunication side. I have brought this to the notice of the President but it has been delayed and hope things would improve soon.

Q: Are you ready to help the government at the budget?

A: Why shouldn’t I help the government at the budget. There should not be unnecessary doubts on this.

I am part of the government. The appropriation bill shows that there is an uneven distribution of funds among Miniseries but that is how the budget has been prepared. We will hope there should be a more coherent and fair distribution of funds in the future.

Q: You are a politician, who joined all the successive governments with certain conditions. Do you think that this time you are trapped?

A: That is a very good question. We joined the government at their request in February this year. Before joining we had a few rounds of discussions on the basis which we join the government. So it remains as an expectation to achieve these objectives in addressing the grievances in the Muslim society.

If we are to continue with them for the rest of this parliament we naturally should have more support to achieve our objectives. We have to use our leverage that we have within in government to achieve our objectives. In the meantime we are also quite mindful about of the difficulties that the government is placed in. The fiscal position may not be that rosy. I think it is a collective responsibility.

We have been looked at as a party that inclined towards the UNP. That feeling may be still lingering in the government. The fact is we are an independent party, which would be always harnessed to the advantage of any party and any government in power. But, I do not think I am trapped. I am free to leave whenever I want. That is my strength. I represent another party and I always tell the government if I am unhappy.

Q: Once you have said that you joined the government to ’stop poaching of your MPs’. Have you been able to stop this by joining the government?

A: Yes. Indeed. I think I was able to do that because I have already lost four members before joining the government. We had to deal sincerely. We have decided that we need to be a disciplined and respected party. In my opinion it is wrong to say that we have been trapped. But whether we like it or not, the truth is that this government had in poaching. So, as a party leader I had to take a prudent decision to prevent poaching. I should know my strengths and weaknesses. On the other hand, the government and the opposition know the strength of the SLMC when it comes to an election. Whether it is the UNP or the PA they would always be attempting in various ways to weaken us.

Q: Is there an urgency in putting the APRC proposals out?

A: The initial euphoria was there in getting a result out of the APRC and we had noticed that there was an urgency a month ago. But I think because of the budget there is some deliberate delay in putting out the APRC proposals. Though it is very regrettable the President Rajapaksa appears to be determined that he will do it in his way we are not very pleased with it. We want some urgency as we do not want this current situation to be continued. On the other hand he appears to be in some sort of dilemma without knowing which way he would lead. One thing is sure, he needs to decide either way very soon in bringing a solution and he has to come out with a devolution package.

Q: How do you see President Rajapaksa as a leader and as a friend?

A: Well as a leader he is a very charismatic man. He has his own charisma. He has not forgotten his simple ways. He is a grass roots politician who has not lost that touch. That is one of his greatest strengths.

As a friend, as I have heard from his many friends that he is somebody who does not forget his friendships. So, I wish I could be a friend of his and I have to be counted as a friend too. [Courtesy: Sunday Observer]

4 comments October 17th, 2007