As Mahinda ‘expected and dreamt’ the UNHRC has voted for an international probe that could lead to suspects being named and prosecuted.One would have thought this could be a prospect that should put Mahinda on edge. They are all wrong. Mahinda wanted the announcement of the international probe; to launch his political project of chauvinist agitations. Mahinda has no alternative but to go for this attack in fascist style. It is not a sign of desperation, that the Rajapaksa government moved to proscribe as foreign terrorist organizations, all Diaspora groups involved in campaigning for an international war crimes probe; Certainly not. This was planned well, when they realized that the chauvinist mass base was slipping away. As UNHRC prepares for the International Investigation the dramatic Case of Gobi appears and Mahinda’s ‘Game Plan’ is revealed! Jayakumari’s incarceration in Boossa under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (and the fact her daughter Vibushika has been placed in the custody of Probation and Child Care Services) are parts of the terrorist drama of Mahinda regime.
Mahinda needs a Prabharan and an ‘armed insurrection’ for his political survival. Unless the bogey of Tamil terrorism is spread, it is difficult to calm the rural masses who are most hit by the development programme sanctioned by the IMF. Masses hit by the government’s policies, including peasants, fishers, workers and students, have launched struggles one after the other in the last period. This was in parallel to the fearless struggle of the Tamil people for freedom which brought series of defeats to Mahinda regime in the Tamil homeland. On the other hand, Mahinda wants to undermine the UNHRC resolution and already he has gained the support of the Indian leadership. With Indian support he plans to neutralize Americans. So while ‘American imperialism’ is checked, his fascist styled regime will continue work according to the IMF backed development programme. Anti US in HR but pro American in economics!
Many Tamil leaders believe, since not only the Americans are serious but also with UK’s position clear as crystal, an international investigation is inevitable. Inspite of Sri Lankan government is playing out a drama that is typical of its deceitful behavior, introducing a red-herring with the appearance of the spurious case of Gobi to divert attention and even wriggle out from international scrutiny, the latter will take place. So they believe. It is good if so-called liberal democracy could bring justice to the Tamils. But I am unable to believe that global masters are looking for justice, even within the frame work of market economy. On the contrary, already they are looking for an avenue to bring about a compromise between Mahinda regime and the Tamil leadership. They know that there is no possibility of another rig rag guerrilla Tamil insurrection in this country. Also super technological war with mini atomic bombs is impossible with out the support of India. India does not want to invade, directly or indirectly, this country when Mahinda regime acts along their suggestions, except probably on the Tamil national issue. On socio economics there is no serious clash between Man Mohan Singh and Ajith Cabraal; both dance according to the IMF music. When Indian leaders could not resolve nationality problems, including the Kashmir problem in their arena, how can they throttle the neck of Mahinda regime!
In other words Terrorism defined as the unlawful use, or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group, against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, for ideological or political reasons, is now not in the agenda in Sri Lanka . The clamour of Mahinda regime is created for the benefit of facist styled politics of this regime. It is plain to any political analyst that none of the organizations listed are involved in violence or terror. If that is the case, India will support the action of the government. In other words it is a vindictive exercise directed at the Tamil leaders for supporting the fight for an international investigation and still holding on to achieving a just political solution in the Northeast. In sharply criticizing the ban, human rights groups have said the ban was based on no verifiable evidence, though it effectively criminalized these Tamil groups. Cleary the government’s objective is to prevent the flow of information, funds for social- cultural and democrat projects and to prevent the involvement of these groups with the investigation. Some are accused of discussing “secessionist agenda”, as if it is a crime to discuss the right of self determination of the Ilankai Tamil nationality. In this sense the ban is a very serious and negative development, effectively criminalizing legitimate democratic dissent within Sri Lanka and making it harder to challenge government policies from outside the island. No doubt that the ban is a political attack on the government’s Tamil critics, rather than a legitimate response to a genuine threat. Because even simply meeting with these banned groups would be enough for Sri Lankan citizens to be arrested under PTA. Insurgencies arise due to grievances not being addressed for decades. They are strengthen from persecution, discrimination, marginalization and violence perpetrated against a social or national community. Thus the oppressive state produces a need to fight back when all peaceful means are exhausted. The seeds are planted when ‘military might’ is used to quell freedom of expression and assembly.
In Lanka Tamil insurgency arose when Sinhala nationality imposed its will over the other. Others felt Sinhala nationality has a stranglehold on power and dominance over the other; where inequality prevails, where one community enjoys self-determination and the other doesn’t. In that situation the need for self preservation of Tamil national identity and the defense of its homeland became the overwhelming priority of this nation of Tamil people. For permanent peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka there has to be a realization and an appreciation of the above truths stated here. Sinhala political leaders must come forward with courage; transcend the pseudo Sinhala Buddhist Supremacist ideology to address the issues head on. Such leaders can come only if they follow the method of uthpatha- thithi- bunge explained by Buddha and appeal to the Sinhala nation to look at the other with Meththa, Karuna, Muthitha and Upeksha. With such an appeal Sinhala nation will look at the national issue with genuine interest and be magnanimous enough to defend the right of the Tamil people for self-determination.
