Govt must ensure there is no discriminatory targeting of Tamils
by National Peace Council of Sri Lanka
The re-commencement of the practices of registering Tamils with the police and of conducting search operations that target them have been widely reported in the Tamil media in particular and have created a renewed sense of insecurity and injustice amongst the larger Tamil population that is detrimental to national reconciliation.
The practice of registering of Tamils and security search operations of private residences even late at night was carried out during the period of war and terrorism. But today more than 14 months have elapsed since the war ended, and there have been no acts of militancy or terrorism in this period that would necessitate a revival of the harsh measures of the past. Two months ago Parliament approved the repeal of a large number of emergency laws which was projected worldwide as a sign that normalcy had returned to the country.
On the ground however the situation has deteriorated where normal life for Tamil people is concerned. Democratic People's Front Leader Mano Ganesan has requested President Mahinda Rajapaksa to intervene to halt the police registration of Tamils in the Wellawatte Police division in Colombo as discriminatory and against the spirit of reconciliation.
The Government is expected to uphold the Constitution which affirms that everybody will be treated equally irrespective of race or creed. The President himself has frequently proclaimed that there is only a single nation in this country. However, Tamils living in Wellawatte had been singled out and asked to register themselves at the Wellawatte Police Station last week. There are reports of Tamils in other parts of Colombo also being asked to register themselves.
Responding to a query from the media last week the Police spokesman said that action was taken under the Police Ordinance in this respect. The Police Ordinance gives power in respect of detection and prevention of crime. It cannot be applied in an ethnically discriminatory fashion. The Colombo head of police, Deputy Inspector General H.N.B. Herath is reported to have said they were instructed by higher authorities to register all people -- including Tamils. All right thinking people will acknowledge that democracy is governance according to law and not according to the wishes of the rulers. The rulers are equally subject to the law and must abide by the Constitution.
The National Peace Council calls on the government to ensure that there is no discriminatory targeting of Tamils, or any section of the Sri Lankan people, as this is root of conflict. While we recognise that security measures may need to be taken we are opposed to the singling out of any one community for such targeted actions on the basis of democratic values.
The positive actions of the government, such as its appointment of a Commission on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation, and with which the government has challenged the credibility of international human rights critics, must not be undermined by its discriminatory and heavy handed actions in other areas. NPC calls upon the government to repeal the obnoxious Prevention of Terrorism Act and Emergency Regulations under which the police are acting. We only stating the obvious when we assert that security does not come through suspicion but only through trust and confidence born out of reconciliation.
4 Comments
LTTE is Militarily defeated but its supporters exists in large numbers.
National Intelligence Services has received enough information on various crimes these people may adapt including killing of VIPs and civilians.These people also will try to revive organization to some level.
So at this Juncture security measures needed to maintain until another 1-2 years within that period we can expect lot of LTTE supporters come back to democratic life.
Police has not taken action against one community but these LTTE supporters 98% Tamil Nationals.They accommodate in Colombo & other Tamil populate areas.So police has to register residents name to Identify Infiltrators.This is all action taken for national security!
If Anyone knows any good method to Identify Infiltrators & their plans please call to police.Police is always willing to explore such that methods!.
Don't try to become popular by preaching narrow communal-ism.
Tell how much pay to you from Western Masters for your campaign!
Vishva...
Melbourne
Thanks for voicing for Tamils in Colombo. Please use your voice to expose the hardships of Tamils in North and East too.
Many wonder if this is one more weak ruse by the government to create a red herring to keep the focus of the people from the actual issues confronting the why their home fires are not burning, their declining economic prospects with a rising CoL, hospitals without basic facilities, a near-destroyed educational system, loss of jobs etc., In forcing the Tamils of Wellawatta to register the media goes to town and the more narrow Sinhala electorate's appetite for "emotinal revenge" is re-created by the regime in the hope it will eclipse the other more urgent issues. It did for years end before and why should it not now? In the collapsed system of law and order where the relationship between the Police and Tamils in the South are frosy, this alone is sufficient for the Police to make some badly needed money. Who is the Tamil wife who will not part with the few thousands she has hidden for a rainy day to keep her husband away from the social indignity Police lock-up simply he did not have one or the other document at the time he went to "register" How long will it take before yet another bright spark in the system to come with the suggestion the Tamils should be asked to wear a badge to identify them away from the others. This worked to the emotional and administrative needs of those fine Aryan men in Germany during the 1930s/1940s.
If the State is responsive to the people's feelings it is time a Statement placing the matter in perspective is issued forthwith. At least now they have the learned Prof GL Peiris who can come out with a decent statement. He is capable of changing black into white in the finest flow of language and literature that will even humble the likes of H.W. Longfellow. His performance in the company of the relaxed, affirmative Hilary Clinton at State did all of us proud and the assurance horses are now entered to win the Derby - a task earlier entrusted to donkeys. Rid we are now of that profligate, fastidious dude - Armani-suits, powder, make-up and all before he went to the cameras (at your and my expense, of course) of BBC TV to display his brand of Singlish "Prabakaran is captivating the Tamils..' What this lawyer had in mind was that VP held Tamils "captive" but conveyed an entirely different picture
ISS
People who go to the States as tourists to spend their hard earned money have to carry the the shoes in their hand, go through body searches look into cameras and then finger printed.
All this is because of the perceived terrorist threats to the American public and property.
So is the case in many other Western nations, that these National Peace Councilors model themselves.
Wellawatta was the most notorious hiding place for suicide bombers and pistol gangs.
Aren't the security checks no longer required because every thing is hunk dory according to the National Peace Council?
Isn't this the same Peace Council which opposed the final push against the Terrorist leaders?
Isn't this the same Peace Council which voices similar sentiments to the anti Srilankan elements overseas?