TAMIL GUARDIAN No. 335 ISSN 1369-2208 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 01, 2006 free fortnightly

The are in a familiar predicament. PAGE 6

Child Protection The LTTE’s administration outlaws child labour and Peace recruitment of minors into the military and police. NEWS 4

Offensive planned process ’s military is mass- ing troops and weaponry and conducting exercises outside LTTE controlled areas. NEWS 4 turns on A9

PROSPECTS for further negotiations Demerger difference to end Sri Lanka's conflict rest pri- marily on one thing: the Sinhalese celebrate amid government's willingness to open the Tamil rage after the Supreme A9 highway and lift the blockade on Court ruling. NEWS 5 the northern peninsula, home to over 600,000 Tamils. The crunch came over the week- International Paradox end as negotiators of the government The more successful of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Sri Lanka's Army is, the less Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam international support there (LTTE) met in Geneva to end the spi- will be for a negotiated ralling violence that has claimed up to solution. COMMENT 6 3,000 lives this year. The LTTE took up the humanitari- an crisis confronting Tamils in many Humanitarian Crisis parts of the Northeast, but particularly Jaffna faces starvation as the the (SLA) controlled de-facto blockade continues. which is cut off from the rest of the island. NEWS 8-9 But the government flatly refused to do so, arguing there were security Doubtful tie implications. Sri Lanka’s two main parties The talks promptly broke down seal a pact. But few are despite the efforts of Norwegian facil- itators to cajole and reportedly even convinced. NEWS 10 strong-arm the protagonists into agreeing to meet again. Aanivaer touches "We took up the humanitarian cri- A new Tamil film sets new sis in Jaffna as the urgent priority standards for professionalism issue," the LTTE's political chief, Mr. in production - and the tackling S.P. Tamilselvan, said after the first of of the conflict. CINEMA 11 the two-day talks, the first formal meeting between the two sides since February. "The Sri Lankan government was not prepared to relieve the population from the unfolding humanitarian cata- strophe," Mr. Tamilselvan said. "Not enough food is moving. It is A woman holds the photograph of a ‘disappeared’ family member during a demonstration in an extremely vulnerable situation," No panacea Colombo. Hundreds have disappeared. Report p2. Photo Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP/Getty Images Continued on page 2 ‘The Indian constitutional model did not have to address strong secessionist sentiments’ NEWS 15 GENEVA TALKS COLLAPSE IN FIASCO PAGE 3 tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:04 PM Page 2

2 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 FROM PAGE ONE Peace process turns on A9 ...

Continued from page 1 with sea-borne supplies. Firstly, a sea route cannot the head of the UN's child agency, match the capacity of the A9 road: UNICEF's mission in Sri Lanka, before it was closed, up to 200 Joanna Van Gerpen, told Reuters. lorry loads passed along it each The LTTE has said it is ready day to meet the needs of Jaffna's to resume negotiations as soon as people. the government opens the A9, "Can the government supply allowing the movement of people, all the requirements of Tamils by food and other supplies into and ship?" Vethanayagam asked. "That out of the northern peninsula. is totally impossible." Since the signing of the now Secondly, Jaffna residents say frayed truce in 2002, Jaffna had ship-delivered supplies are mainly been supplied through the A9 being diverted to the military gar- highway, which passes through the rison in the peninsula. huge swathe of LTTE-controlled "The government does not territory the . seem to understand the hardships The road was closed mid the people of Jaffna are facing August when heavy fighting every day," schoolteacher Saratha erupted between the two sides' Selvakumar told Reuters at a across their frontlines at Jaffna bus stop. Muhamalai. The Sri Lankan gov- "We know that airlifting and 1,000 people protested on Nov 1 against the terrifying daily abductions in Sri Lanka. Photo TamilNet ernment has since refused to shipping food for so many people reopen the road. will not be a success. Half the stuff Analysts say this is because the goes to the (armed) forces," she military wants to recapture the said. LTTE-held southern part of the Corruption meant the other Spectre of adbuctions peninsula and doesn't want to dis- half was not distributed properly mantle its substantial military by the fixed-price ration shops, buildup in the middle of the penin- she added. sula astride the highway. Some traders are also hoarding returns to Sri Lanka Indeed, the SLA has already supplies to drive prices up, other launched an abortive offensive residents said. against the Elephant Pass area. Prices of milk powder, rice, Over 130 soldiers were killed and soap and sugar have more than tre- over 500 wounded before the bled in private grocery stores after Somini Sengupta house. A trader at the fish market abuses in this country. A-9 road was shut, Reuters report- was also bundled into a white van For nearly a quarter of a centu- ‘We know that ed. The New York Times as he returned home from work in ry, the Sri Lankan state, dominated There is an acute shortage of September. by the majority ethnic Sinhalese, airlifting and petrol, with government-held The latest abductions echo the has been locked in battle with the shipping food stocks being taken over by the mil- LIKE a revisiting ghost, a rash of terror of years ago. In the late ethnic separatist Liberation Tigers for so many people itary and, in many cases, those of mysterious abductions have come 1980s, Sri Lanka suffered tens of of Tamil Eelam, known as the private resellers. On the black to haunt Sri Lanka once more. thousands of disappearances. Tamil Tigers. will not be a success. market, petrol is now about four Men and women are being Many are still unaccounted for. Lately, a third party has com- Half the stuff goes times their normal prices, UN snatched from their homes, some- For the most part, the latest plicated the conflict: a rival rebel agencies say. times after dark, sometimes in victims have been Tamil, the coun- faction, which the Tamil Tigers to the armed forces.’ Reuters quoted witnesses in broad daylight. Ransom is try's main ethnic minority, and allege to be operating with gov- the town as saying residents must demanded in some cases. In oth- many of the abductions have been ernment support. The government wait for seven to eight hours to ers, political intimidation seems to carried out in government-held rejects the charge. receive their rations, often getting be the point. A few have been territory - sometimes in the heart That breakaway faction, up before dawn to line up. freed, but corpses have also turned of this highly fortified capital, at known as the Karuna group, has offensive, which came barely two Correspondents in Colombo up. With rare exceptions, the other times, in towns in Sri surfaced repeatedly in the testimo- weeks before last weekend's talks, say even a cabinet minister on the crimes remain unsolved. They are Lanka's north and east, close to Sri ny of the kidnapped. So has the was called off. GoSL delegation to the Geneva among the most terrifying Lankan military installations. political nature of some abduc- Meanwhile hardships and frus- talks is profiting by subletting sideshows in Sri Lanka's ever The white van appears repeat- tions, even in cases where the kid- tration have been worsening ships to the government. more terrifying ethnic conflict. edly in the recollections of the vic- nappers' identities are hard to pin amongst the 600,000 Tamils who The hardships are worst It is difficult to know who is tims. Some have won release only down. live under the domination of amongst those who fled their responsible and exactly how many after their families appealed to the Faced with calls for interna- 40,000 Sinhala troops. homes amid the heavy fighting in people have been seized. The highest echelons of the state. tional monitors, the president has "If the government delays the peninsula since August. International Committee of the White vans are an iconic sym- offered a counterproposal: a Sri reopening the A-9 road, I tell you More than 50,000 people have Red Cross says it has received bol of the late 1980s, when Sri Lankan commission, aided by there will be riots ... more killings, been displaced across the peninsu- more than 350 reports so far this Lanka experienced a wave of international observers, to look violence and kidnappings," la by renewed fighting, UNICEF year of people who have disap- abductions as its government into human rights cases. Samuel Vethnayagam, a retired said in a recent report. peared. The Sri Lankan National fought a violent insurrection of But questions linger about land surveyor, told Reuters in the "The majority have squeezed Human Rights Commission leftist groups in the ethnic whether this proposed panel Jaffna last week. into the houses of relatives and logged 419 such complaints from Sinhalese-dominated south. would meet international stan- To Vethanayagam, who came friends," the agency said. "Others last December to September. A The kidnappings have brought dards, including whether the gov- from Colombo in August to visit have gathered at temporary private advocacy group, Home for a new cloud over the administra- ernment would be obliged to fol- his ancestral home in Jaffna and accommodation centres." Human Rights, has documented tion of President Mahinda low the commission's recommen- has been stuck there ever since due Meanwhile the LTTE has 203 cases of missing people in the Rajapakse of Sri Lanka. dations. The government is cur- to the fighting, the talks in Geneva refused to guarantee safety for a first nine months of this year, A senior adviser to the presi- rently consulting with Arbour's were a waste of time. sea route as troops and military using newspaper clippings and dent, who was not authorized to office on the commission's man- "The government is holding us supplies are being transported other reports. It lists another 965 speak publicly on the matter, said date. like prisoners here ... I have no under the guise of transport and victims of extrajudicial killings, references to white vans were The Tigers are also implicated fear of war because we have faced humanitarian relief for civilians. some of whom may also have been false, exaggerated and designed to in a rash of assassinations over the war situations before, but never a The Tigers say even ships fly- abducted. embarrass the government. past year, in particular targeting scarcity of food like this." ing the flag of the International The victims come from all The high com- ethnic Tamils who work with the The Sri Lankan government Committee of the Red Cross walks of life. A popular Tamil-lan- missioner for human rights, state. says it is supplying the peninsula (ICRC) have been used in the past guage radio reporter says he was Louise Arbour, in September said (Edited) by sea and air. by the military to move its sup- packed into a white van one early there was an "urgent need" for for- Shimali Senanayake contributed But there are two problems plies, including weapons. morning in August just outside his eign monitors to investigate rights reporting from Colombo. tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:05 PM Page 3

TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 3 NEWS Geneva talks end in fiasco

POINTLESS. That is the widely suicide bombing that killed 115 expressed characterisation of the sailors and an attack on Galle two days of Norwegian facilitated naval base by suicide boats. talks between the Sri Lankan gov- The spiralling violence incr- ernment and the Liberation Tigers eased international alarm and led in Geneva over the weekend. to increased pressure for talks. Even as the talks approached, So did the soaring numbers of the omens were not good. No human rights violations. Abduc- agenda was agreed or even dis- tions followed by murders, disap- cussed ahead of the talks - though pearances in military custody as both sides were bluntly telling the well indiscriminate bombardments media what they were going to have led to over a thousand civil- talk about. ian deaths this year. For the LTTE, it was the "Developments in Sri Lanka in humanitarian crisis in which the past months have seriously Tamils in many parts of the endangered the peace process," Northeast find themselves in the said Switzerland Foreign Affairs wake of government military Deputy Head Ambassador Heidi offensives and reimposed or Tagliavini who gave the opening extended embargoes on food and address. medicine. "Switzerland, as the depositary The government said it wanted State of the Geneva Conventions, to speak about 'core issues' - i.e. a feels it cannot forgo its responsi- political solution to the island's bility to remind the parties to the ethnic conflict. conflict of their obligations to respect International Humanit- Irreconcilable arian Law, in particular to protect civilians from the effects of armed The two approaches were conflict," she pointedly said. irreconcilable. But the Norwegian Switzerland's best wishes and facilitators were not daunted. They 's encouragements did lit- had a more limited objective: to tle to promote goodwill between get both sides to at least sit face- the protagonists. to-face across the table and agree LTTE Political Wing chief and delegation head, Mr. S. P. Tamilselvan (l) shakes hands with Sri Lankan on the dates of the next round or, delegation head, Minister Siripala de Silva, while Norwegian Development minister, Mr. Erik Solheim even better, rounds. Only positive and Switzerland's Deputy Foreign Affairs Head, Ms. Heidi Tagliavini look on. Photo TamilNet. Last weekend's talks resulted, Indeed, the only positive factor despite Norway's diplomatic for the facilitators was that the par- Infuriated by the government's tion was given by the GoSL for the expects that by this time normalcy assertion the Geneva talks came ties met. As the Norwegians noted, refusal to take steps to ease the refusal to reopen the A-9." returns and a conducive environ- after requests by both sides, from "the parties deserve recognition humanitarian crisis gripping much The LTTE asserted the "the ment created. intense international pressure. for accepting this call by the co- of the Northeast, the LTTE has GoSL must be having a hidden Launching its own agenda at As both sides made manifestly chairs, coming for these consulta- made the opening of the A9 a con- military agenda." the talks, the government attacked clear, they themselves saw no pur- tions at a time when conflict is dition for further talks. Its suspicions were fuelled by the LTTE as undemocratic and pose in the talks. more apparent than peace in Sri "During the talks [we] pointed hectic military activity underway accusing it of ruling by the gun. Violence has been rising Lanka." out the suffering of the people in the peninsula, just as it was The LTTE replied that it is steadily over the year, the Feb- "The parties agreed that the including access through high- ahead of the major offensive more committed to the democratic ruary 2002 Ceasefire Agreement peace process will need to address ways and roads in all parts of the launched by the SLA in early principles than the GoSL, pointing (CFA) looking increasingly irrele- the three following areas: (1) [Tamil] homeland," the LTTE said . out that the Tamil armed struggle vant. The international observers Human suffering (2) Military de- in a statement. had erupted precisely because of of the Sri Lanka Monitoring escalation and reduction of vio- "The closure of the A-9 high- Demand met the closure of democratic routes Mission (SLMM) are unable to lence and (3) Political components way has resulted in open prison for for the Tamil to make their cope with scale of the truce viola- leading up to a political settle- more than six hundred thousand The LTTE said it was at the demands first for equality and then tions. ment," a Norwegian statement people in the Jaffna peninsula table only because the internation- for self-rule. After a series of successful said after the talks. under the occupation of sixty al community led by the Co- offensives against the LTTE, the But no amount of Norwegian thousand Sri Lankan military per- Chairs had demanded talks. Unanswared government is confident to can optimism could disguise the fact sonnel." Moreover, the LTTE delega- end the conflict with a military that, with divergent agendas the The government countered that tion said, it was prepared to dis- The LTTE challenged the victory over the Tigers. Geneva discussions were a fiasco. the sea route was available to sup- cuss the CFA, the SLMM and GoSL to repeal the sixth amend- The LTTE feels the interna- ply food to Jaffna, even though restoration of normalcy precisely ment as a token of its commitment tional community neither can, nor No agreements ships could not keep pace with the because these were issues high- to democracy and pluralism. (The wants to restrain the GoSL's pur- demands formerly satisfied by up lighted by the Co-Chairs. sixth amendment to the Sri suit of a military solution. "Discussions were also held on to 200 lorries a day along the road. The government delegation Lankan constitution prohibits In September, the self-styled the urgent humanitarian situation The Tigers pointed out that the countered that it wanted to talk peaceful advocacy for a separate Co-Chairs - the United States, the and the need to address the plight 600,000 people were being held about 'core issues' rather than state through democratic means.) European Union, Japan and Nor- of a very large number of civil- prisoner on the peninsula. waste time on these matters. The LTTE also challenged the way - met and demanded both ians," Norway said. The closure of A-9 constitutes The LTTE countered that it too GoSL to withdraw its armed sides resume negotiations. "Several issues were dis- a new 'Berlin Wall' the LTTE said. was ready to talk about core forces from the Tamil homeland cussed. The LTTE requested the "It is a violation of the CFA and issues, even a political solution and allow the holding of a referen- A9 to be opened. The Government the right to free movement result- and demanded if the GoSL delega- dum under international supervi- Pre-emption refused to do so at this point. No ing in separation of family mem- tion had brought any proposals. sion to ascertain the aspirations of In an effort to pre-empt the agreement was reached between bers and causing untold human The GoSL delegation admitted the Tamil people. points of dispute which aborted the parties on how to address the misery." it had not, pleading the case that The government did not have a earlier efforts, the Co-Chairs even humanitarian crisis." the ruling SLFP party had only response to any of the challenges. set out the venue - Oslo, dates - The A9 is the sole road to No reason just signed a pact with the main Interestingly, during delibera- early October and an agenda - sta- Jaffna on which supplies to the opposition UNP and that the All- tion with Norwegian facilitators at bilisation of the CFA, strengthen- 600,000 residents must travel. The When the GoSL delegation Party Conference (APC) had, the end of the first day, the LTTE ing of the SLMM, and finding a road has been closed since August. argued that the closure of the A9 despite 10 months of deliberation, agreed to a proposal to fix a date way forward to peace talks. Perhaps most importantly, "no was not new and that it was closed not come up with any proposals. for next round of talks on the con- Colombo bristled at being dic- date for a new meeting was agreed between 1994 and 2002, the LTTE The LTTE welcomed the pact dition the A9 highway is opened tated terms to talk to 'terrorists' upon." pointed out that that was a time of signed by the two major Sinhala before that date. whilst the LTTE braced for an Norway's diplomats "will be in war and asked if by closing the political parties, saying that once However, the GoSL did not impending Sri Lankan offensive. ongoing dialogue with the parties road, the government was intend- the Sinhala polity reaches a con- respond positively to the sugges- However, earlier this month, to discuss all possible ideas on ing to push the Tamil people to sensus with respect to the resolu- tion, and the LTTE now insists that after defeat for the offensive and how to move the peace process war, defeat them, and then negoti- tion to the conflict, the LTTE will the A9 must be opened before a killing over 130 soldiers, the forward." ate with a subjugated people. enter into political negotiations date is agreed and has asked the LTTE carried out two major But the impasse now centres Most importantly, for the with GoSL. Norwegian facilitators and the attacks outside the Northeast - a squarely on the A9 road. Tigers, "no satisfactory explana- However, the LTTE warned, it SLMM to facilitate this. tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:06 PM Page 4

4 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 NEWS LTTE outlaws child labour, recruitment

THE Liberation Tigers' adminis- of 2006. tration has enacted laws to protect "We were directed by LTTE the rights of children, including Leader Pirapaharan to formalize the making of education compul- into law the Rights of children, sory up to grade 11, outlawing the and penalties for violating these enlisting of children under 17 rights, within a framework consis- years in Armed Forces, making the tent with the deeply held values of participation of under 18-year olds Tamil culture, tradition and histo- in armed combat illegal, and pro- ry, and the international covenants scribing all forms of child labour. on Rights of Child," Mr Parara- The Tamileelam Child Protect- jasingham added. ion Act 2006 (Act No. 03 of 2006) The Act specifies Children's was enacted by Tamileelam Legi- Rights on Education (Chapter 02), slature Secretariat and became Protection (03), Enlistment in effective on October 15, Head of Armed Forces (04), Investigating Sri Lankan troops in Jaffna examine rockets for multi-baralleled launchers. Photo TamilNet Tamileelam Judiciary, E. Pararaja- Delinquent Children (05), Emplo- singham, told TamilNet. yment of Children (06), Birth (07), The legislators studied child Parental Responsibilities and Rig- Army plans new Jaffna offensive protection acts of other countries hts (08), Penalties for Child-offe- including Malaysia, Australia, the nders (09), Custody and Guardia- United Kingdom and Norway, and nship (10) and Miscellaneous (11). EVEN as negotiators representing to broadcast the announcement. International Community is wit- The LTTE's Tamileelam Legi- the Liberation Tigers met with Meanwhile, Sri Lankan troops ness to Colombo's military agen- slature has earlier enacted Tamil- those representing the Sri Lankan engaged in a major training exer- da," the LTTE's Military Spokes- Legislators studied eelam Penal Code and Tamileelam child protection acts government, the military in Jaffna cise throughout Saturday night in man Irasiah Ilanthirayan, said. Civil Code in 1994. stepped up preparations for a Palaly, Thondamanarau lagoon "Sri Lankan aggression, at this of other countries The Act prescribes criminal pr- major offensive, reports said. and Valalai area in Vadamaradchy critical juncture, would have seri- including Malaysia, ocedures and penalties for offe- Apart from intensifying its sector of the . ous consequences," he warned, nces committed against children, shelling of LTTE-controlled areas The SLA rehearsal comes fol- without elaborating. Australia, UK Mr Pararajasingham said. in southern Jaffna and Vanni, over lowing a sudden visit by Sri Lanka Meanwhile in the eastern prov- and Norway The Tamileelam Child Protect- the weekend the military deployed Army commander Lt. Gen. Sarath ince, the military fired shells into ion Act prohibits employment of additional troops and military Fonseka to Palaly Saturday. LTTE-controlled Vaharai area on children below the age of 16, and the existing international instru- hardware in the forward areas Lt. Gen. Foseka held a meeting Monday night from 8.00pm till prescribes employment of child along the border separating the with Maj. General G.A. Chand- 5.00am. ments before coming up the Act's labour as a crime punishable by 83 sections. two sides. rasiri, Commander of the Sri Lan- Vaharai was targeted in early two years of imprisonment. A curfew was imposed in vil- kan forces in Jaffna, followed by a October by a major offensive by Regulations related to enlist- Children between 16 and 18, ment in Armed Forces is dealt with lages Varani, Usan, , meeting with the commanders of Sri Lankan troops and paramili- could only be employed with legal Navatkadu, Eluthumaduval, Kodi- Divisions 51, 52, 53 and 55 taries, just days before the military in Sections 36, 37(a), 37(b), 38(a) permission according to the Act. and 38(b) in Chapter 04 of the Act. kamam, Meesalai East, Allarai and Saturday, TamilNet said. a massive onslaught against LTTE Sexual abuse, and exploitation Thanangilappu in Thenmaradchi "When we are engaged in find- positions in southern Jaffna. Section 21 of The Child Prote- of children for sexual purposes are ction Act defines the Armed For- sector of Jaffna district. ing ways to de-escalate the mili- Both offensives failed amidst punishable offenses with maxi- Despite the denial of curfew tary hostilities and address the heavy LTTE resistance. In Vaharai ces as the Army, Navy, Air Force mum twenty years and minimum of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil announcement in Colombo, Yarl unfolding humanitarian catestro- up to 40 soldiers were killed in five years of imprisonment. FM, a local radio operated by the phy, the Sri Lankan military Vaharai whilst in Jaffna at least Eelam (LTTE), and the Tamilee- The Act attributes gratis educa- lam Police. Sri Lankan military from Palaly engagement in Jaffna, further de- 130 troops perished in day long tion as State responsibility. military base in Jaffna, continued stabilizes the civilian life. The fighting. "Our vision is that a fair and Child welfare centers run by impartial Judiciary is the backbo- NGOs and charitable organisa- ne of our society-that is what our tions are mandated to comply with struggle is about," Mr. Pararajasi- Sections 75 to 81 in Chapter 10. ngham told reporters. Only organisations approved WITH BEST COMPLIMENTS FROMM He said the Tamileelam Legi- by Tamileelam Administration are slature Secretariat started working allowed to operate children's on formulating the Child Protec- homes, and these organisations are tion Act in May, soon after com- expected to register with the dis- pleting the Tamileelam Land Act trict level administration. CHETTY & CO. SOLICITORS The Eelam Judiciary  ✶ THE Tamileelam Judiciary has 7 ople with the expeditious and equ- ✶ CRIME PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM District Courts, 2 High Courts, an itable processes of our judicial sy- ✶ Appeal Court, and a Special Ben- stem. Tamileelam courts have hea- ✶ IMMIGRATION & NATIONALITY WILLS, PROBATE & TRUSTS ch. It functions in areas controlled rd more than 39,000 cases and ha- ✶ ✶ BUSINESS MATTERS by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil ve ruled on 33,000 of those cases." FAMILY(DIVORCE/CHILDREN ACT) ✶ Eelam (LTTE) and operates in the The Sri Lankan judiciary is in ✶ CONVEYANCE(Residential & Business) HOUSING AND WELFARE BENIFIT . force in Army-held areas. About ✶ There are 26 judges and more 50 lawyers practice under the Sri ✶ LANDLORD & TENANT EMPLOYMENT than one hundred lawyers. Lankan judiciary in the NorthEast. ✶ ✶ CONSUMER AFFAIRS The Thamil Eelam Law Coll- Sri Lanka's Sinhala-dominated CIVIL LITIGATION ege was established at Chunnakam judicial system has been criticised (in Jaffna) in 1993 to uphold the as biased against Tamils. It has, for Rule of Law, fundamental rights example, consistently failed to 894 Garratt Lane 79, Hoe Street and human rights and respect for rule against members of the pre- human values. dominantly Sinhala armed forces Tooting, London SW19 0NB Walthamstow, London E17 4SA "We have over the years won who have committed human rights Tel: 020 8677 4770 Tel: 020 8521 1313 the confidence and trust of our pe- violations against Tamils. tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:07 PM Page 5

TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 5 NEWS NE demerger: Sinhalese celebrate amid Tamil anger

AS Sinhalese nationalists celebrat- shops were shut. ed the Supreme Court's ruling that In Batticaloa, cadres of the the 1987 merger of Sri Lanka's paramilitary Karuna Group threat- North and East was illegal and ened civil service officials and null, Tamils reacted with anger, business owners not to support the seeing it as an attack on their protest against the de-merger. assertion of a homeland on the "All public offices must work. island. Transportation must flow as The ultranationalist North and The merger, effected in the usual," according to a leaflet East Sinhala Organisation (N- Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, was suc- issued in Tamil by paramilitary ESO) President Ven Senpathiye cessfully challenged by the operatives under the pseudonym Ananda Thera said the govern- Sinhala nationalist JVP and the "Theendum Padai" (Biting Force). ment in the past had turned a deaf hardline Buddhist JHU party. ear to earlier calls by his group to Two weeks ago a five-bench A merged Northeast de-merge the North and the East. Supreme Court declared that the "The majority of the people merger of the north and east ‘is one of the would be happy about this court provinces was "unconstitutional, fundamental order as it was a defeat for the invalid and illegal". LTTE," he said. Last Wednesday, all the dis- assumptions of the In contrast, the Tamils see the tricts of the Tamil-dominated whole negotiations’ - de-merger as designed to deny the NorthEast shut down in response United States Tamils their assertion of a tradi- to a call by the Tamil National tional homeland on the island. Alliance (TNA) to protest and The TNA called on Sri Lanka's unitedly express Tamil opposition The leaflet had warned Tamil President and government to to the Sinhala rightwing govern- business owners that the shops "immediately take necessary ment's move to officially split the being shut down on the protest day action to validly restore the Status NorthEast. would be confiscated. Quo Ante pertaining to the consti- Very few vehicles plied the Meanwhile, JVP Parliamentary tution of the North-East as one streets, shops remained closed, Group Leader Wimal Weerawansa Unit." The shutdown was observed across the NorthEast, including businesses and private institutions said not only the court order but The TNA gave the government Vavuniya (top) and Batticaloa (bottom) despite threats by Sri remained closed and the Tamil the day it was issued on was of until November 7 to respond Lankan military and paramilitary forces. Photos TamilNet towns in the Sri Lanka Army historical significance. favourably. (SLA) controlled areas of Batti- "The inhabitants [of this "[The North and East were] "[The Supreme Court] seems has also been consistent caloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, island] rose up in rebellion against merged through the Indo-Lanka to hold the view that the merger is in its opposition to the de-merger, Mannar and Jaffna were deserted, the first white governor and Peace Accord, based on the sound invalid due to a technicality, which a point made by the Indian leader- reports said. against the British imperialism on principle of recognising the north- is the process, through which the ship to President Rajapakse just Despite threats by SLA sol- a day like today in 1818," he said. eastern provinces, as the historical merger was brought about," he weeks ago. diers and Tamil paramilitaries to "So it is remarkable that this habitation of the Tamil-speaking notes. India had insisted the shopkeepers in Jaffna, warning order which will have an enor- people," noted TNA parliamentar- "Our view is that the merger Northeast Province should not be that they would not be allowed to mous impact on the so-called ian Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has to remain. The government de-merged without a referendum, open their shops again if they were Eelam concept was made on such in an interview with the Sunday will have to take immediate steps and such a referendum would only not open on the Wednesday, all a day." Leader. to validly constitute the northeast be possible when there was a as one unit," he said. "conducive atmosphere" in place. "We see the situation as a dec- The co-chairs of Sri Lanka's laration of war against Tamils," donor community - the United What the Indo-Lanka Accord says TNA Jaffna district MP M.K. States, Eureopean Union, Japan Sivajilingam told the Daily Mirror. and Norway - also express similar The de-merger ruling, sought views recently. 1.4 The Northern and the Eastern unit, having one elected provincial other reasons, will have the right by President Mahinda Rajapakse's At their meeting in Brussels on provinces have been areas of his- council. Such a unit will have one to vote in such a referendum. political allies, comes despite poi- September 12 they cautioned torical habitation of Sri Lankan Governor, one Chief Minister and Necessary conditions to enable nted international opposition to it. "there should be no change to the Tamil speaking peoples, who have one Board of Ministers. them to return to areas from where Asked about the Court ruling, specific arrangements for the at all times hitherto lived together 2.3 There will be a Referend- they were displaced will be creat- US Assistant Secretary of State for north and east, which could endan- in this territory with other ethnic um … to enable the people of the ed. Central and South Asian Affairs, ger the achievement of peace." groups Eastern Province to decide 2.5 The Referendum, when Richard Boucher said the timing The northern and eastern 2.1 Since the Government of whether: held, will be monitored by a com- of the "unfortunate" issue of the provinces were merged according Sri Lanka proposes to permit a) The Eastern Province should mittee headed by the Chief Justice, de-merger raised lot of questions. to the Indo-Sri Lanka agreement adjoining provinces to join to form remain linked with the Northern a member appointed by the He was referring to the ruling signed in 1987 by then Sri Lankan one administrative unit and also Province as one administrative President, nominated by the coming just weeks before the President, J. R. Jayawardene, and by a Referendum to separate as unit, and continue to be governed Government of Sri Lanka, and a Tamil Tigers and the government then Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv may be permitted to the Northern together with the Northern Prov- member appointed by the presi- were to meet in Geneva for inter- Gandhi. and Eastern Provinces as outlined ince as specified in 2.2 or: dent, nominated by the representa- nationally demanded talks to end The temporary merger of the below: b) The eastern province should tives of the Tamil speaking people the rising tide of violence. two provinces, with a condition 2.2 During the period, which constitute a separate administra- of the Eastern Province. "[The merger of the North and that a referendum should be held shall be considered an interim tive unit having its own distinct 2.6 A simple majority will be East] is one of the fundamental to merge the provinces permanent- period (i.e. from the date of the provincial council with a separate sufficient to determine the result assumptions of the whole negotia- ly, still continues. elections to the Provincial Coun- Governor, Chief Minister and of the Referendum. tions and therefore, … it does raise A Governor appointed person- cil, as specified in para 2.8 to the Board of Ministers. The president 2.7 Meetings and other forms some issues for all the parties, ally by the President is now date of the referendum as speci- may, at his discretion, decide to of propaganda, Permissible within about how they are going to administering the North East fied in para 2.3), the Northern and postpone such a referendum. the laws of the country, will be approach these both in terms of the Provincial Council, as established Eastern Provinces as now consti- 2.4 All persons who have been allowed before the Referendum. court decision and in terms of under Sri Lanka's 13th Constitu- tuted, will form one administrative displaced due to ethnic violence or See tamilguardian.com also negotiations," Mr. Boucher said. tional Amendment. tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:08 PM Page 6

6 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 EDITORIAL & OPINION TAMIL GUARDIAN A paradox of P.O.BOX. 450, Harrow, London, HA2 2AS, UK [email protected] www.tamilguardian.com international Tel / Fax: 020 8677 4456 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 01, 2006 No. 335 policy Dead End The more successful Sri Lanka's military The Tamils are in a familiar predicament. efforts are, the less international support As had widely been expected, the talks partly to blame for both the humanitarian there will be for a negotiated solution. between the Liberation Tigers and the Sri crisis and the failure of the talks. By reas- Lankan government in Geneva last week- suring and reinforcing the Sri Lankan Jana Nayagam end ended in fiasco. Not even the simplest state, even as it very publicly imposed Tamil Guardian of expectations - that the two sides would embargoes on Tamil areas and prosecuted agree to future talks - was met. The irony an undeclared war against the LTTE, the is that even though most observers were international community has devalued the DELEGATIONS from the examples of successive adminis- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam trations breaking agreements with certain nothing would come of these talks, Norwegian peace process and cheapened (LTTE) and Government of Sri a succession of Tamil political there was intense focus on them anyway. Tamil life. Barely days before the Geneva Lanka (GOSL) last week engaged and militant leaderships. But as this newspaper argued ahead of talks, senior US officials publicly praised in face-to-face negotiations for Geneva 2, the manifest lack of goodwill the rightwing administration of President the first time since talks, also in Transparency on both sides and, more importantly, Mahinda Rajapakse and launched a vitri- Geneva, in February this year. Expectations for any substan- The only difference in the pre- Colombo's unashamed pursuit of a mili- olic attack on the LTTE. When even the tial break through at Geneva II, as sent peace process is the involve- tary solution, should have been seen by the US publicly declares that it is backing Sri the meeting has been termed, ment of foreign powers as inter- international community as problematic Lanka in its talks with the LTTE, why were lower than at any past nego- mediaries. antecedents for peace negotiations. These wouldn't Colombo have adopted the tiation between the warring par- The LTTE had been most significant obstructions to any peace intransigent and belligerent stand it did? ties, particularly given they could insistent upon foreign involve- not even agree on the agenda. ment as it felt that facilitation by process were both reinforced and illumi- We argued (yet again) last week that the The Sri Lankan government third parties was the most likely nated by the developments in Geneva. international community's fetishisation of insisted that it came to engage in route to ensuring that agreements The LTTE and GoSL arrived with the mere mechanisms of talks over the discussions over a permanent would be implemented, given the entirely different preoccupations. The need for suitable objective conditions solution, as opposed to imple- international transparency. LTTE, quite rightly, focussed on the mat- would lead to fiasco. If Norway's aim in mentation of the Ceasefire With the economy it tatters Agreement (CFA) signed in after four years of military losses, ters of current urgency: the humanitarian Geneva was primarily to secure agreement February 2002. Colombo, which had zealously crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of for the parties to meet again, then it was The LTTE insist that only defended its sovereignty, finally Tamils, the spiralling violence and the destined to fail. The government believes when the people of the Northeast agreed to participate in a peace fraying ceasefire. The government the international community wants talks enjoy the same normalcy as the process with foreign involvement claimed it was interested in discussing the mainly to give peace a chance before rest of the island could they in 2002. engage in negotiations on a long At the outset Norway was the 'core issues' related to a political solution Colombo is given the go-ahead to militar- term solution. The Tigers thuis sole foreign participant involved to the conflict. We say claimed, because ily destroy the LTTE. Last chance for the wished to focus talks on solely as a facilitator, but within a when the LTTE unexpectedly agreed to Tigers, so to speak. A conviction amongst implementing the CFA. year the US, EU and Japan had discuss these core issues and asked for many observers in Colombo and else- become self-appointed co-spon- sors of the peace process. Colombo's proposals, the government del- where that the LTTE is militarily weak has Need for Normalcy Irrespective of the Norwegian egation admitted they had brought none. no doubt contributed to this. It should be noted that aside 'front', the US has always been Indeed, just as in Geneva 1, the GoSL del- To begin with, seasoned observers may from the cessation of hostilities, viewed as the architect of the egation imagined itself on some interna- recall the numerous times the LTTE has the CFA agreement extensively overall strategy of resolving the tional stage and simply heaped vitriol on been written off before. Whatever the true covers the need for normalcy in Sri Lankan conflict, with the EU the North-East of Sri Lanka. and Japan playing a supporting the LTTE for the duration of the talks - strength of the LTTE - and only the move- It also spells out the need for role. beginning with Chief Negotiator Siripala ment really knows that - recent events the government to disarm para- India has always been consult- de Silva's 80-minute address. have lent new force to its argument that military organisations which were ed on major policy issues, but has There is a grave humanitarian crisis in the Tamils are lost without its military working with the Sri Lankan always been on the sidelines as several parts of the Northeast, particularly strength. It is now clear that without the military. Clause 1.8 had not been far as the peace process is con- implemented by the previous Sri cerned. in Jaffna. This crisis has been brought LTTE able to force concessions from the Lankan government led by Prime Matters are further complicat- about, moreover, by the deliberate actions Sinhala-dominated state, the international Minister Wickremesinghe, nor by ed by the fact that only two of the of the Sri Lankan government. The UN community will simply pass the Tamils by his successor President Mahinda four co-chairs, Japan and Norway, agencies, the rest of the humanitarian whilst pursuing its own economic and Rajapakse. can directly communicate with relief community and many of the foreign strategic interests in the island. The events However, it was agreed at the the LTTE as the other two have outset of the peace process, that proscribed the organisation embassies in Colombo are acutely aware of the past year have done much to weak- only after a series of confidence domestically as terrorists. of this. Yet the Sri Lankan government en the force of international norms, partic- building measures and de-escala- denied there is a crisis and its negotiators ularly those concerning human rights, tion of the conflict could any No change publicly dismissed the LTTE's demand the good governance and the much exalted negotiations over a long term A9 highway be opened as 'irrelevant.' The ones of democracy and pluralism. solution be discussed. But during the life of the The situation has worsened current peace process it became talks collapsed last weekend primarily The question is what happens next. If substantially this year. President increasingly clear to the Tamils because Colombo was simply not pre- Sri Lanka does not open the road then Rajapakse's coalition government that the involvement of foreign pared to budge on the A9, irrespective of there will be no more talks. True, the has all but repudiated the CFA. parties did not necessarily mean the suffering endured by the people of LTTE has folded on similar ultimatums Despite pledging to disarm the that agreements with the Sri Jaffna. The reason for the government's before previous talks. But Sri Lanka is paramilitaries at Geneva I in Lankan state would now be February, it has done quite the implemented. intransigence is obvious to all: the Sri about to escalate its war against the Tigers reverse, expanding their numbers The CFA became the first Lankan military is preparing a fresh offen- - with international backing. The Tamils and weaponry and escalating the victim, with the failure by the sive on Elephant Pass along the A9. are once again at that familiar junction: conflict. state to remove its troops from The international community is also war for peace. The history of the Sri Lanka's occupied Tamil homes and public ethnic conflict is strewn with buildings. Instead the state tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:09 PM Page 7

TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 7 EDITORIAL & OPINION community's reversion to the pre-2000 policies is taking place. The obvious implication is that international support for the peace process in 2002 was not some watershed event of recog- nising the need to address Tamil grievances, but rather a necessary tactical shift driven by the inabili- ty of the Sri Lankan state to resolve the conflict militarily. With the Sri Lankan military engaged in assaults on LTTE lines even the day before the negotia- tions were due to begin, it is clear that Geneva II was a charade. The international community has made no effort to get Rajapakse's government to de- escalate the conflict. Perhaps the foreign powers are quietly confident that Sri Lanka's military, after almost five years of respite, is capable of overwhelming the LTTE. As the question is explored, the Tamil people continue to suffer the Sri Lankan military's atrocities. This newspaper has long asserted that the decision to engage the Tamils in a peace process and to recognise the need to resolve their grievances have been directly linked to Tamil dominance on the battlefield. Consistent Initiatives of engaging the Tamil people in dialogue have never occurred during our darkest hours. From the 1983 pogrom to unilaterally defined such locations extremely hawkish rhetoric from conflict against the LTTE. Community, including the US. the ethnic cleansing in the early as High Security Zones, resulting Colombo. The GOSL asserted He asserted Sri Lanka is a Thus, the most shocking nineties, there has rarely been a in permanent occupancy. that it intended to engage in peace democratically elected govern- aspect of the policy of foreign murmur amongst the leaders of The promised disarming of talks only after delivering a ment and as such it trusted Sri powers in Sri Lanka is their the international community. state backed paramilitaries also substantial blow to the LTTE. Lanka to deal with human rights reversion to backing the state In the late 90's, whilst the Sri never took place, with now disas- That the Sri Lankan state is in in an appropriate fashion, and more resolutely, the more it Lankan state attempted to starve trous results. such a belligerent mood after mil- would offer assistance in areas makes gains on the battlefield. the Tamils, the world watched Various programmes to share itary successes is unsurprising. that need improvement. The most glaring example of unaffected. Instead international development and humanitarian The Tamils have always been this is the shift in international actors were most vociferous in aid were systematically blocked concerned that the Sri Lankan Assuring the state positions on the Norwegian peace condemning the LTTE and focus- by state bureaucracy, including state never intended to share any process it self. ing on issues such as child the latest such effort, the Post- substantial power with the Tamils Considering that during the Prior to Geneva I, the interna- recruitment. The state is presently Tsunami Operational Manage- and hence negotiations with the history of the ethnic conflict Sri tional community, including the involved in the massive abduction ment Structure (P-TOMS). state will always prove to be Lanka has failed to prosecute a US, backed the need to imple- of Tamil children to be trained to futile. And with the battlefield single member of its armed ment the CFA as a first step. fight the LTTE, but is yet to Renewed conflict victories the allure of crushing forces, despite widespread and However, eight months and receive a single reprimand. Tamil aspirations militarily would systematic abuses, suggests that several military successes later, The sole benefit of increasing This year the conflict has prove too tempting for Colombo. the US faith in Sri Lanka is not the US has echoed demand of the international support for Sri erupted - albeit without declara- The foreign powers have merely mistaken oversight, but a GOSL for talks to begin to focus Lanka amid the military's ascen- tion of war. The first direct meanwhile continued to voice clear assurance that it will turn a on a final solution to the ethnic dancy on the battlefield has been assaults on the frontlines of the their support for a peace process, blind eye to the abuses. problem, rather than stabilisation that the Tamil people will be LTTE were launched by Sri but, more surprisingly, have also The Sri Lankan state has of the fraying truce. divested of any illusions. They Lanka's military in July this year become more strident in their breached virtually every United are, in fact, truly alone in their under the pretext of liberating a support for the Sri Lankan state; Nations humanitarian protocol. It Partisan struggle for self rule. water resource for farmers. a paradoxical twist of policy. has inflicted collective punish- The members of the interna- The offensive, it should be If the Sri Lankan state were ments on a destitute people, Most disturbing was Mr tional community, which had noted, came despite a successful becoming more militant and less including embargoes on food and Boucher's insistence anew that the projected themselves as honest intervention by the Norwegian compromising surely foreign medicine. It has bombarded civil- US will back Sri Lanka in the brokers in resolving this decades facilitators to resolve the situation powers might have been expected ian targets and its troops and conflict against the Tamils, and, long conflict, have demonstrated peacefully. to become more forceful and to paramilitaries have executed implicitly, that this backing is not this year that fair adjudication is That clash escalated into a take measures to encourage thousands of civilian, including dependent on Sri Lanka observing not their purpose. series of direct confrontations Rajapakse's hawkish administra- hundreds this year also. any humanitarian norms. Instead they have reverted to between the two parties which tion to pursue a peaceful resolu- As human rights groups now Such unethical policy is not the policies that the Tamils had has rendered the CFA meaning- tion. admit, the state is also complicit new to foreign involvement in the been familiar with during the hor- less. Sri Lankan aerial and in the abduction of children by Sri Lankan question. rific periods of conflict: i.e. artillery bombardment has result- Army-backed paramilitary organi- After all, prior to the Tamil wholeheartedly backing the state's ed in civilian casualties and hun- Startling positions sations for training as child sol- military successes of 2000, all the war machine in the pursuit of dreds of thousands of displaced Which is why a series of diers. foreign powers in question, their own interests. persons. statements issued barely a week And the attacks go beyond backed the Sri Lankan state Lest we forget, the Tamil But, the international commu- before Geneva II by US Assistant just the theatre of war in the militarily, politically and struggle has progressed a long nity has casually observed the Secretary of State for Central and Northeast. Hundreds of Tamil financially, despite horrendous way, coming through past periods proceedings with the occasional South Asian Affairs Richard politicians, members of the judi- and near-genocidal abuses against of isolation and concerted hostili- lament urging a return to the Boucher were especially startling. ciary, teachers, journalists and the Tamil people on the island. ty. It is unique for its lack of negotiating table. Whilst continuing to pay lip humanitarian workers have been All that changed after the dependence on any foreign power. With the fighting going its service to the need for a peaceful brazenly executed. LTTE drove the Army from the It has been the folly of many way, the Sri Lankan government resolution to the conflict, Mr The Sri Lankan state has Vanni, defeated its counterattack domestic and foreign govern- defended each new offensive as Boucher, emphatically declared waged a total and unrestrained and shattered the Sri Lankan ments to underestimate the deter- 'limited' or 'defensive' strikes that the US viewed Sri Lanka as war on the Tamil people and this economy with the attack on mination of the Tamil people to intended to curb the LTTE's an ally, and would continue to year for the first time in the histo- Katunyake airport. win their freedom. It has been our offensive capability. A series of assist Sri Lanka militarily, ry of the conflict it has been in What is shocking now is folly, of late, to expect more from military victories resulted in politically and financially in its full view of the International how quickly the international the international community. 8 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 NEWS Humanitarian crisis worsens in Jaffna

OVER two months after the only flict areas. supply road to Jaffna was closed "As the Global Emergency by heavy fighting, the humanitari- Relief Coordinator, I have been an crisis in the northern peninsula shocked by the lack of access for is reaching critical levels, with relief agencies to civilian commu- food and fuel running out and the nities in many conflict areas," Jan Sri Lankan government refusing Egeland said. to open the A9 highway. "[Both] the government and And amid mounting interna- the LTTE should be reminded that tional concern, the government they are under international legal insists ample food is available in obligation to enable unimpeded the Jaffna peninsula. access to civilians in need of assis- At the Norwegian brokered tal- tance irrespective of where they ks over the weekend, the first be- are or the circumstances under tween the two sides since Feb- which they live." ruary, the Sri Lankan government Even within days of the A9's rejected the LTTE's raising the closure in August, Human Rights issue of the A9, saying the matter Watch said half a million residents was an irrelevant trifle and dem- in the peninsula were facing food anding instead that a political sol- shortages and unable to reach ution be taken up for discussion. areas safe from the fighting. But aid workers and residents The Sri Lankan military, which civilians complain that over half a launched an abortive offensive million people in Jaffna are now against the Tamil Tigers along living on just one meal a day. with A9 is opposing the reopening Even the limited sea-based of the highway, fuelling suspicion supplies of food had not reached another offensive is being readied. them for over 10 days amid turbu- Supply lines to the northern lent seas, reports said. peninsula by air and sea have been Food prices had once again disrupted by bad weather and also skyrocketed in the absence of because international agencies fresh supplies. such as the International Commi- Civilians in Jaffna last week ttee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have warned that if urgent steps are not refused to escort government con- taken to transport food to the pen- voys, citing security reasons. insula, the security forces ran the Although government agen- risk of facing angry civilian mobs, cies have continued to sporadical- reported. ly supply the peninsula, aid agen- The United Nations top relief cies warn that if something is not official has also protested the lack done soon, the results could be of access for relief agencies to disastrous for the 600,000 civilian civilian communities in the con- population there.

As the humanitarian crisis worsens in Jaffna, children are among those forced to queue from the early 379 missing in hours of the morning in order to receive sufficient quantities of food for just one meal a day. Photos TamilNet The results of months of short- tarian crisis its prime focus in the The MPs appealed to the LTTE ages have begun to show, with inconclusive negotiations. to take-up the opening the A9 school children failing to attend "The Jaffna peninsula is a highway "as a matter of top prior- Jaffna - SLHRC schools as malnutrition takes hold, humanitarian catastrophe waiting ity" at the talks in Geneva. press reports said. Teachers have to happen," the TNA noted, adding They also appealed to the UN even reported cases of children that "since the closure of the A9 High Commissioners for Human 379 CASES of disappearance of were held in detention at the fainting in schools. highway … the humanitarian situ- Rights and Refugees, protesting young men and women have facility under suspicion of having "No citizen of Sri Lanka sho- ation has reached critical levels." that the Government of Sri Lanka been registered at the offices of links with the Liberation Tigers, uld be forced to depend on uncert- The TNA said that the Jaffna was using the humanitarian crisis the Jaffna SLHRC between had been flown to the Terrorism ainties, such as if a ship will arrive peninsula, with 653,755 people, as a tool of war. December 2005 and October Investigation Division (TID) in in the coming weeks or not," the requires 11,000 metric tons of "It is our humble submission 2006, officials at the SLHRC Colombo for further interroga- head of the international peace food supplies per month. that the manner in which the [gov- said Saturday. tion. monitors in Sri Lanka, Lars Sol- But over the last three months, ernment] has been conducting mil- The number represents only Of the eight, one was the vberg, told IPS after returning only 14,000 metric tons of food itary operations demonstrates the the disappearances where there President of the Students from a tour of Tamil areas in the items had been sent in total by intent to inflict maximum harm on are no details of the youths avail- Consortium in Jaffna University, northeast. He described the situa- ship, resulting in a short fall of the Tamil civilian population," the able, and does not include those Mr. Paheerathan, who had been tion as ''totally unacceptable.'' 19,000 metric tons, the letter said. TNA said in the letter to the UN. who were released, or who were arrested during a roundup at the Sri Lanka's main Tamil politi- The MPs also noted that fuel "It is [also] our submission that killed and their bodies recovered Jaffna campus. cal party wrote to the Liberation levels are grossly insufficient, but the GOSL's plan is to progressive- later. Another of the eight was Tigers and the United Nations last added that they are unable to pro- ly exclude the International Com- Of the 379, 68 disappear- young woman arrested in week urging action to open the A9 vide details because "official fig- munity, diminish its involvement ances occurred in August, 54 in East, Vaharavathai and accusing the Sri Lankan gov- ures are being withheld" by the Sri in Sri Lanka and, in particular, its September, and 30 in October. area, who the SLA alleged had ernment of using the situation as a Lankan government. ability to witness the curtailment Meanwhile, the SLHRC inve- attempted to take cyanide. weapon of war. "Due to the severe shortage of of humanitarian and human rights stigating officer Mr. Sivendrara- SLA officials failed to notify The all conceivable items in the Jaffna abuses and ensure their eventual jah, and human rights attorney, the SLHRC, as earlier agreed by (TNA) appealed to LTTE to take- peninsula, families are forced to withdrawal, so as to be able to Mr. Remedius, who visited the the Security Forces, before the up the opening of the A9 highway stand in queues that stretch for mi- unleash, unfettered indiscriminate, KKS detention camp Saturday youths were taken to Colombo, as a matter of top priority at last les on end," the letter notes, add- even genocidal attacks against the were told that eight youths who the SLHRC attorney charged. weekend's talks in Geneva. ing that the queues start forming as Tamil people," the TNA said. The LTTE made the humani- early as 4am. Editorial, p6 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 9 NEWS Over 15,000 refugees now in India

THE number of was," he said. "They said the mili- fleeing to India to escape violence tary was being more careful with in their country has crossed the (Tamil) people in areas like 15,000 - mark despite a dramatic Trincomalee. People said the drop in arrivals in October. forces were more restrained." A similar number have become With the Oct 28-29 Geneva internally displaced persons dialogue failing to achieve any (IDPs), seeking refuge in other breakthrough, Chandrahasan war- parts of Sri Lanka. ned that the refugee arrivals may The refugees are still coming pick up. "But if the security forces in, carrying their meagre belong- are restrained, it will not go up in ings, and their total in refugee a big way." camps in is now However, other aid workers 15,912, said SC Chandrahasan, a were not convinced, voicing con- Sri Lankan Tamil heading Chennai cerns that the break down in peace - based NGO Organisation for talks and incidents reported in Eelam Refugee Rehabilitation. Muhumalai could lead to a rise in The total includes 6,027 men, not only refugees, but also IDPs. 5,451 women, 2,312 male children "The figures have remained A Sri Lankan postal employee (L) accepts a parcels at a post office in Colombo on Nov 2, 2006. Anxious and 2,122 female children. more or less stable so far, but we relatives are trying to send supplies to residents there. Photo Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP/Getty Images Starting in January, the refugee are concerned over the possible flight touched the peak of 5,769 in rise in IDPs, especially given the August following heavy fighting reports coming in from across Sri Lanka's northeast bet- Muhumalai," Jeevan Thiagarajah, ween the military and the Libera- Head of the Common Humanit- Colombo covers up people’s tion Tigers of Tamil Eelam, before arian Association (CHA) said. sliding to 3,749 in September. In Meanwhile NGO officials in October it plunged to just 735. the East said that while most IDPs suffering, stops relief efforts UN figures indicate that at had returned to their homes from least 15, 876 people have been camps, many were still affected by internally displaced since January. the prevalent bad weather due to However UNHCR spokesper- severe damages caused to about TamilNet from malnutrition and cases of homes and have become internally son Linden Jeffers the figures had 20% of the houses in the fighting many fainting in schools are rep- displaced, following the break out so far not been updated since that had taken place over the past orted. Enthusiasm for learning has of war on August 11, the GoSL has October 26, before the peace talks. few months. CLOSURE of A9, the only trunk waned dramatically, officials said. not directed the officials con- "It is too early to comment on Those affected by the rains road to Jaffna from rest of Sri Meanwhile, the Consortium of cerned to take actions to provide a possible increase," Jeffers said, also included IDPs who still Lanka, more than 10 weeks ago, Jaffna district NGOs blames the them any relief so far. adding that the new statistics remained in camps for security has halted the flow of essential GoSL and government officials Instead, verbal directions have would be released next week. reasons food provisions, and medical sup- for their indifference in allowing been given from Colombo to the Chandrahasan said that the lat- Trincomalee, on Sri Lanka's plies to Jaffna Peninsula, and if the transport of essential food officials to refrain from setting up est refugees in India attributed the east coast, is from where most of urgent steps are not taken, the res- items to the people of Jaffna. refugee camps and involving in fall in October numbers to expec- the Tamils who have taken refuge idents will face severe humanitari- Some officials of the Consortium any relief works. tations from the just-ended peace in India have come from. It is the an crisis, civil society leaders in said they fear speaking in public As a result, tho-ugh all the talks in Geneva, rough weather killing of Tamil civilians there in Jaffna warned Monday last week. about the real situation in Jaffna IDPs stay in government schools, that made sea travel risky, and an January that triggered the latest Jaffna residents face malnutri- due to the overarching presence of no actions have be-en taken so far improvement in the conduct of the refugee run to Tamil Nadu. The tion and imminent starvation; and security forces and collaborating to provide them either cooked military in Tamil areas. point from where the refugee set shortage of medical supplies and paramilitary cadres. meals or basic facilities. "Surprised by the low arrivals sail to India is however Mannar in doctors have wreaked havoc with The NGOs warn that under- In addition, GoSL has alleged- we asked people what the reason the island's northwest. the peninsula's fragile health care stated, and quite often false, ly given orders not to disclose the system, hospital and Non information that the refugees are Governmental Organizations staying in camps, the Consortium (NGO) sources said. Verbal directions have sources further said. Fuel embargo cripples The child specialists attached been given by Colombo The members of the Consor- to the Jaffna Teaching hospital to local officials to tium also accuse the International warned that many of the children NGOs like UNICEF, Save the Ch- Tamil areas in the Peninsula are affected by refrain from setting up ildren Fund, UNHCR, and ICRC, malnutrition because the provision refugee camps and for failing to expose the malnutri- WITH storage tanks running dry, Kondavil, Point Pedro and Kayts sent by the Government of Sri involving in any relief tion among children, internal dis- private and co-operative stor-es in depots which serve as the central Lanka (GoSL) is inadequate and placement, and starvation. the Jaffna peninsula stopped dis- administrative points for the only could fulfil 25% of the entire work for the displaced. The Consortium blame tributing diesel to government peninsula public transport. need of nutrition. INGOs' silence on the public atta- offices and private vehicle owners The head of administration at Inefficiency of the Governme- ck on the office of Tamil Rehabili- with effect from Monday. Kondavil bus depot said that nt bureaucracy and the rampant tation Organization (TRO), an The fuel crisis will seriously Jaffna district requires 2000 litres corruption in the supply chain also NGO that is the main relief organi- impact all commercial and admin- of diesel a day to run the normal may be exacerbating the situation, zation in the entire NorthEastern istrative activities in Jaffna and schedule of buses. local NGO officials said. "Island," details of the needs of the people province. will cripple functioning of institu- "Sri Lanka Petroleum coopera- a kind of milk powder that was of Jaffna disseminated by the Local NGOs fear that their tions, including schools, that tion supplied us with 3300 litres declared in 2000 as not suitable for Colombo's propaganda machinery safety is also endangered due to depend on public transport, offi- Saturday and we had used up that consumption, was again sent to are masking a grave and tragic sit- the apparent self-censorship of the cials warned. supply by Sunday evening. Until Jaffna. Out of the 200 000 milk uation developing. INGOs, consortium officials said. The Northern Region Trans- fresh supply arrives we are not in packets sent recently, 86 000 pack- Though more than 40 000 peo- The Consortim officials said port Board, which runs public tra- any position to serve the Jaffna ets are "Island". ple, belonging to 12 000 families that, overall, Colombo has remain- nsport in the peninsula, suspended public," he added. The Directors of Education ha- mainly from the areas near the ed detached to the developing bus services with effect from Meanwhile, a fuel shortage at ve expressed alarm at the fall of at- Forward Defense Lines (FDL) in humanitarian crisis and has failed Monday, citing the fuel shortage. the Chunnnakam electricity sta- tendance figures of schoolchildr- region and the to fufill its humanitarian obliga- Only very limited emergency tion forced engineers to reduce the en. Many attending children suffer islet villages, have fled their tions to people of Jaffna. transport was authorized from supply to 5-hours a day. 10 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 NEWS SLFP - UNP agreement met with caution

THE agreement signed last week "implemented at an early date by Sri Lanka's two main parties to after further direct discussion bet- cooperate on crucial problems fac- ween the two Leaders and accep- ing the island, including the ethnic tance by the appropriate bodies of conflict and managing the econo- each of the two Parties'" the agree- my, has been met with cautious ment stated. optimism as well as scepticism. The SLFP-UNP agreement is Representatives of President 'significant' reported Bloomberg. Mahinda Rajapakse's ruling Sri "A bipartisan attempt to solve Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and the longstanding ethnic conflict the main opposition United Natio- between the Sinhalese and the nal Party (UNP) signed the 10- Tamils is an unprecedented inno- clause cooperation accord to imp- vation for Sri Lanka, which has lement a four point common tried all else - including armed national agenda in a televised cer- intervention by neighbouring emony Monday last week. India and third-party mediation by Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, (l) and opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe (r) greet each The SLFP-UNP deal is to last Norway - without much success." other after SLFP secretary Maithripala Sirisena (2l) and UNP chairman Malik Samarawickrema (2r) for two years. "Bravo, They Did It," said a sign the pact between their twon parties in Colombo. Photo Lakruwan Wanniarachchi/AFP/Getty Images "We have all agreed here that Daily Mirror headline, while a the only way forward is a political Daily News editorial called it "a solution to peace," UNP leader historic day in the post-indepen- Ranil Wickremesinghe said after dence political history of Sri India underwhelmed by pact the signing ceremony. Lanka." "Without stability, the country "This agreement helps bring cannot develop," he added. "This about a convergence on a political INDIA is "happy but not overtly and that Sri Lanka's road to peace The two-year accord covers six agreement today is to achieve solution, especially on power shar- jubilant" over the recently signed is going to be long and tortuous key areas: the ethnic question, peace and a political solution to ing, in the peace process," said pact between Sri Lanka's two main even with the backing of the inter- good governance, electoral refor- national question." Jehan Perera, director of the Nati- political parties, reported the national community". ms, strengthening the economy, Mr Wickremesinghe said the onal Peace Council, a Sri Lankan IANS news agency. The report stated that the pursuing educational reforms and agreement sought to pave the way non-governmental peace advocacy The Indian assessment is that social development. for a better political culture and organization. the agreement between the Sri ‘This will be truly Since the signing of the 2002 environment where importance is "The government will be Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and Norwegian brokered ceasefire given to gathering in harmony, assured of a two-thirds majority in the main opposition United Natio- path-breaking only agreement between the LTTE and discussing in harmony and dis- parliament to pass legislation nal Party (UNP) is indeed crucial, if - and it is no small the Sri Lanka government, "India persing in harmony. when reaching agreement with the but "it needs to be watched what has been repeatedly emphasizing President Mahinda Rajapakse LTTE." and where it leads to". if - it helps in the to the Sri Lankan political leaders declared: "we are moving in a new "There's cautious optimism in "The Indian establishment ultimate resolution of the necessity to put aside petty dif- direction of political understand- the market that a common political feels that the SLFP-UNP pact the ethnic conflict’ ferences and team up on the burn- ing and consensus, as seen in India agenda will add more weight in would prove beneficial to Sri ing ethnic issue" the report said. and other countries." coming to a negotiated peace set- Lanka even if it results in their It added that Prime Minister He then invited the two tlement," Sriyan Gurusinghe, gen- genuine cooperation on any of the Manmohan Singh and Indian exte- Sinhala nationalist parties, JVP eral manager at Ceylinco Stock issues covered by the agreement agreement would "prove to be rnal affairs officials have stressed and JHU - both of whom had cru- Brokers Ltd. in Colombo, told and not just the ethnic conflict" the truly path-breaking only if - and this at every interaction with Sri cially supported his presidential Bloomberg. IANS report said. policy makers emphasize it is no Lankan officials, including in campaign in November 2005 - to But others were sceptical, with But, it stressed that almost all small if - it helps in an ultimate Havana in September on the side- also join the government. many arguing that whilst the bi- Indians underline that the pact is resolution of an ethnic conflict lines of the summit of non-aligned "We have placed the country partisan concensus looks good on "just a good political beginning that has bled Sri Lanka". nations. first," President Rajapakse said. paper, it was doubtful it would "With this coming together it last. would be possible to eliminate ter- "We are closely watching [the rorism, and build a country at two parties]," said Tamil National peace where all people can live Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian, together without fear." Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam. EEaassaann && ccoo JHU parliamentary group A bipartisan approach is need- leader Athuraliye Rathana told the ed to stop the ethnic outbidding, BBC Sinhala service that his party he said, adding "[the agreement] supports the UNP-SLFP agree- will at least have the Sinhala lead- Chartered Management Accountants ment as it united the Sinhalese. ers becoming a bit honest with The agreement was signed for their own people." ❖ ❖ the SLFP by General Secretary India has also reacted with Self Assessment Tax Returns Maithripala Sirisena and for the cautious optimism to the signing UNP by Chairperson Malik Sama- of the agreement. ❖ ❖ rawickrema, with the ceremony The Indian assessment is that VAT Returns PAYE taking place at the President's offi- the agreement between the SLFP cial residence in Colombo. and the UNP is indeed crucial, but ❖ Accounts & Book Keeping Under the agreement, the UNP "it needs to be watched what and will "extend support to the where it leads to," the IANS news ❖ Government in the pursuit of a agency reported. Management Accounting negotiated settlement to the on- Norwegian development min- going conflict." ister Eric Solheim welcomed the The common national agenda "move to build a southern consen- includes four identified issues: sus." Specialists in Arranging Commercial Loan Conflict in the North & East, The LTTE has in the past com- Electoral Reforms, Good Govern- plained that unless the Sinhalese 196 Merton High Street South, Wimbledon ance and Social Development political parties made up their The proposed structure for col- minds on how much they were London SW19 1AX laboration, including the modali- willing to concede, it was impossi- ties for collaboration, will be ble to negotiate. Tel: 020 8543 8484, Fax: 020 8540 0107 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 11 CINEMA Aanivaer sets new standards

Wimal Sockanathan Tamil Guardian

I WAS privileged to be one of the his fellow Tamils around him. few press-wallahs invited to the Having lost his parents in the premier of 'Aanivaer' the movie war he lives with his grand moth- which has been packing venues er. At the outset, Dr Nanda is infu- out across the Diaspora centres in riated when Sandhya introduces the West. The title translates as herself as a Tamil journalist who 'primary root' - as in one's descent has come from India to do a cover or origin. story! Aanivaer, in my view, is Sandhya, although startled by assured of its place in the history Nanda's short temper continues to of Tamil movies. follow him with a camera. In keeping with its claim - From then on, Aanivaer traces 'inspired by true events' - it is an Sandhya and Nanda witnessing a authentic portrayal of the post sequence of well known atrocities 1984 Northern province under committed by Sinhala troops. Army brutality. Produced by But this is no mere documen- Swiss-based Tamil financiers, the tary. By placing Sandhya and film was shot in Northern Sri Nanda in proximity to the inci- Lanka using extras from Jaffna (as dents, director Jon brings histori- opposed to south Indian Tamils cal fact to horrifying life. with unconvincing voiceovers). We are shocked at the sudden The hero, heroine and some air raids early one day that disrupt other characters are played by the calm of Sandhya and Nanda's stars from the South Indian movie morning coffee. lence unleashed against the Tamil tive of whether they are produced ities such as camera, sound etc, to world (quite understandably - We are reduced to tears when people by their erstwhile state that in Colombo, Chennai, or in the his amateurish friends and rela- Tamil Nadu popular cinema is, at Sandhya goes into a hysteria at the the movie seeks to capture. Diaspora centres in the West. tives. Or perhaps it is a matter of least for now, decades ahead of Sri sight of the bodies of Tamil civil- There is one fleeting departure Firstly these movies had a pro- being stingy. Lankan Tamil cinema). ians minced by Army Tanks and from this abstention, when Dr nounced accent barrier in view of These sub standard movies The producer also brought in scattered all over the road. Nanda, referring to the atrocities, the fact that Jaffna spoken (collo- have severely undermined the rep- South Indian Tamil technicians for We are outraged when school- asks: "why should we Tamils quial) Tamil has been misused by utation of Sri lankan Tamil movies camerawork & direction. The film girl Shivashanthi riding in her stomach all this? We are not Radio Ceylon dramas such as which had become the butt of has been scripted and directed by bicycle is waylaid by boorish Sri Poonai (cat) we are Puli (tigers)." Vithaniyar Veetil, Sirappar many a joke. Jon Mahendran, son of the cele- Lankan Army soldiers in uniform, Perhaps inevitably, enthusias- Kudumbam and London Kandiah By contrast, Aanivaer, sets brated director Mahendran. who bully her first but later subject tic applause erupted from the audi- and promoted the notion that new standards by a demonstrable The story starts with a South her to thuggish assaults and finally ence at this solitary mention. Jaffna Tamil is the language of professionalism never seen before Indian news reporter Sandhya rape and bury her in the muddy In its stirring of public reflec- comedy. South Indian movies like even in Maniratnam's 'masala' (Madumitha) arriving at the Sri soil. tion on Tamils' political situation, Thennali starring Kamala Hassan movies which, like all South Lanka Army checkpoint at Om- We share the feelings of Dr Aanivaer, reminded me of a mini speaking our Jaffna Tamil made Indian movies, amassed huge rev- anthai/Mankulam. She then cross- Nanda, who was very attached to TV series also titled 'Roots' which capital out of this mistaken belief. enues from expatriate Tamils, wit- es into Tamil Eelam territory. Her Shivashanthi, when he refuses to I saw in the late seventies on Secondly, there is a distinct hout acknowledging the historical first interaction is a polite but firm see her body when as it is brought British TV. In that production, the lack of professionalism. circumstances of our community. encounter with the Tamil Eelam out of the soil. writer Alex Haley vividly Many of these producers are As the producer of Aanivaer, Police. The parallels to the rape and describes the problems his Black more concerned with 'starring' in (an aptly named) S. Prabhakaran, Sandhya tells them that she has murder and subsequent exhuma- ancestors faced at the hands of their own movie with their pointed out, "south India's movie come in search of a Tamil Doctor tion of Jaffna schoolgirl Krishan- White rulers. That TV series favourite lady as heroine (who industry has shown in the wallets named Nanda (played by actor thi Kumaraswamy are obvious. shocked many and created deep would not only be inexperienced of our people than in our political Nanda) whom she met some years Tamils have read and heard controversies at the time. but also would, shall we say, not problems." ago rendering Medical treatment about all these incidents in the By and large, films produced be photogenic). Wimal Sockanathan is a well and social work to the hundreds of media. But our reaction is quite by Sri Lankan Tamils have a less The 'producer' would also dis- known broadcaster & journalist in Tamil children women and the different when we see it re-enacted than illustrious history, irrespec- tribute and assign key responsibil- Tamil television and radio. elderly injured by Army shelling. on the big screen with the realism But staff at the records office induced by modern technology are unable to trace records on Dr and crystal clear sound. Nanda and fear that he may have Many in the audience wept been killed by enemy action. openly as the movie unfolded. Interested in writing or publishing? The film then goes into a flash- The producers have taken back starting from the first day of extreme care in avoiding words Sandhya's arrival some years ago such as Thamil Eelam and And in any or all things Tamil? and her meeting Dr Nanda, a ded- Viduthalai Puligal (Liberation icated and hardworking medical Tigers) for fear of accusations that man for whom the top priority is this was just propaganda for the the alleviation of the sufferings of LTTE. It is the undeniable vio- Then join our team! No experience necessary, just lots of enthusiasm!

We are looking for writers to work with us on articles and commentary on political and social affairs, Tamil culture and arts, including popular cinema, as well as other subjects. We are also looking for people interested in desk-top publishing or graphic design. Email [email protected] for more details 12 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 NEWS Violence in the NorthEast in the week ending Oct 29

Summary of incidents - apart from major clashes in the island’s conflict.

October 28 near Maruthadikulam, where a high ranking SLA officer was ● B. D. Wijetunga, 42, command- killed and two SLA troopers ing officerof the Artillery Division injured in a similar attack nearly of Kommathurai military camp, three months earlier. was seriously injured during a ● An SLA soldier was killed when gunfire exchange near the Eastern gunmen hurled a hand grenade at a University campus in Batticaloa. sentry near Saraiyadi, Vadamar- He succumbed to his injuries at adchy along the Point-Pedro - Jaff- hospital. The clash occurred after na Road. a convoy of SLA soldiers going on vacation had passed the area, and October 27 was targeted at the troops provid- ing protection. ● An SLA offensive towards ● A field officer attached to Non LTTE controlled Vaharai in the Violent Democrative Activities East was repulsed by the Tigers. Group (NVDAG), a local NGO, "Around 300 Sri Lankan troopers who disappeared Wednesday after launched a ground offensive back- being interrogated by SLA troop- ed by artillery and mortar fire from ers stationed along the A9 in Welikande and Karadikkulam Chemmani, was released. Thiya- SLA camps and entered our terri- garajah Sajinthan, 28, from Nuna- tory via Thirukkonamadu," said vil, , set out from LTTE Military spokesman Irasiah the NGO office at Nunavil along Ilanthirayan, speaking to the the A9 highway and was stopped media from Geneva, Switzerland. by the SLA in the Chemmani area. ● Two SLA troopers, who were Sajinthan declined to reveal deta- part of a foot patrol, were serious- ils of his abductors but said that he ly injured when assailants trigge- had returned home safely. red a claymore mine along Jaffna- ● A police constable was injured Point Pedro Road in Aavarangal, Valigamam East. SLA troops cor- A Tamil mother, Malendran Jayakumari, grieves over the body of her son who was gunned down during when assailants hurled a hand the night of 27 October by gunmen in Trincomalee. Photo STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images grenade towards the police officer doned off a large area in Aavar- on Pannaicholai Road in Eravur. angal and conducted a search ope- ● Kanagaratnam Suthersan, alias ration. Nearby pedestrians were Jaffna Hindu College. A few mon- positions. The LTTE retaliated so, 16, Kanthasamy Shanthini, 14, Sarangan, 19, a member of the indiscriminately attacked by SLA ths earlier, arsonists had set fire to from its Sangupitty base. Kanthasamy Shantharoopan, 11 paramilitary Karuna Group, was troopers taken to the area follow- his cinema theatre after threaten- ● Three Karuna Group cadres and Kanthasamy Rajkumar, 2 shot and seriously injured when ing the claymore attack, and ing Chandramohan for showing were killed and eight injured when were identified as the injured. Mr gunmen fired at a group of cadres vehicular traffic along the heavily socially-degrading films, includ- a fellow cadre, who had recently Rajendran and the children tend to walking from Pillaiyar Temple used Jaffna- Point Pedro road was ing pornographic ones. joined the paramilitary group, the vegetable garden, and pick along Badulla Road to the para- blocked for more than two hours. ● The bodies of two youths were lobbed grenades and shot at them. vegetables every morning. militaries' office in Chenkalady, ● Gunmen shot dead Murugup- found at 3rd mile-post, near Che- The cadres had been asleep inside Batticaloa. illai Poopalaratnam, 65, of The- lvanayagapuram, Trincomalee. the Chenkalady Pillayar temple, October 25 ● Three SLA troopers were inju- vapuram, Murakodanchenai, Era- They had been killed Thursday close to the SLA Black Bridge red when assailants triggered a vur. The assailants called the vic- night by unknown gunmen. camp, when the attack occurred. ● Mr. Padmakumara, 27, a Sin- claymore mine targeted at a SLA tim out of his house, shot him at The cadre who attack had escaped halese, was shot dead by gunmen road patrol in Veppankulam, Vav- close range, and escaped. October 26 from the area. The three dead were in the Thekangkaadu area of Vavu- ● The owner and operator of a identified as M. Vasu, K. Arunan niya, but motives for the killing uniya. ● ● Three SLA troopers were injur- mini-cinema was shot dead by The and SLN and M. Mano, while the eight have not yet been established. ed in a claymore ambush on their gunmen inside a jewellery store in clashed for 5-hours in the Kilaly injured were identified as Kajan, ● Maheswaran Kaneswaran, 21, vehicle in a depopulated area Kannathiddy junction, Jaffna to- Bay. SLN gunboats off Kerathivu 39, Aynkaran, 37, Imayavan ,21, was seriously injured when gun- between Nagarkovil and Eluthum- wn. Veerasingham Chandramoh- had mistaken Sea Tiger patrol ves- Arunan, 40, Shanthan, 35, Sunth- men called him out of his house in adduval, behind the SLA FDL. an, 42, from Kasturiar Road, Jaf- sels in Sangupitty area as an LTTE aramoorthy, 27, Srithavan, 46, and Thalankuda, Batticaloa, and shot Assailants triggered the claymore fna operated a mini-cinema near attempt to launch an attack on Kalaiarasan, 16. at him before escaping. Jaffna, an anonymous SLN told ● The SLA began firing began fir- TamilNet. LTTE vessels alleged to ing artillery shells and Multi- October 24 EPDP - Eelam People's Democratic Party have set off from Pooneryn Munai Barrel Rockets into LTTE con- ● FDL - Forward Defence Line via Sangupitty jetty area toward trolled Panichchankerni area from Vinasithamby Gunaseelan, 22, a HRC - Human Rights Commission the Kilaly Bay, were observed by its Mankerny base. building mason from Pillayar HSZ - High Security Zone Keratheevu naval troops who ● One man, three teens and two Kovil street in Chunkankerny, ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross began the attack on the Sea Tigers. children, collecting vegetables in a Valaichenai, was seriously injured LTTE - Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam The SLA, based in Gurunagar, field located on Chelvi Theatre when unidentified persons waiting SLA - Sri Lanka Army Pasaiyoor, Ariyalai east, southern Road, Chenkalady, Eravur, were in ambush opened fire as he was SLAF - and western parts of Thenmara- riding his bicycle to work. seriously injured when a bomb, ● SLHRC - Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission dchy, Kokilakandy, Thanagkila- concealed in a plot of spinach in Ms. K. Ariyamany of Pethalai, SLMM - Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission ppu and Keratheevu, supported the the garden, exploded. Kanagasoo- 30, was caught in the cross fire SLN - SLN with heavy mortar and riyam Rajendran, 40, Sathanant- STF - artillery fire launched form their han Maithili, 19, Sathananthan Ya- Continued on page 13 tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:14 PM Page 13

TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 13 NEWS Incidents since Oct 23 FMM condemns burning of Tamil dailies in Batticaloa Continued from page 12 SLA FDL. Sinnathamby Sinnav- an, 55, a tractor driver, and between two rival groups and was Sergeant K. Wickremesinghe, 36, seriously injured at Vinayagapu- were both admitted to Batticaloa A SRI LANKAN media watch- the Batticaloa district. ment said. ram, Valaichenai. Such clashes ha- hospital. dog last week condemned the The men had then burned the "According to Sudaroli man- ve become frequent with increas- G The SLN arrested three Muslim burning of 10,000 copies of pop- papers in the van, consisting of agement one third of their circu- ing incidents of infiltrations by villagers of Puthukudiruppu, Man- ular Tamil dailies by Army- nearly 10,000 copies of the Vira- lation has dropped due to this Karuna paramilitary group cadres, nar, for allegedly transporting fuel backed paramilitaries in the hesari and an unknown quantity of ban," it noted. villagers said. to LTTE held villages. The SLN restive Batticaloa district. the metro News, at a compound The FMM urge the govern- G A SLA soldier was injured when seized seven barrels containing Registering its "strong con- opposite the Secretariat. ment to take urgent steps to a claymore was triggered along 210 litres of diesel, two fibreglass demnation of continuing threats The gunmen took away bus reverse the situation, "so that Udupidy-Vathiry road in boats and a truck from the sus- and harassments to Tamil lan- driver's hand phone and asked him Tamil language news papers will Vadamaradchi, Jaffna. pects, Mannar Police said. guage media in Sri Lanka" the to collect it at the office of the be able to distribute freely and G A SLA trooper was killed in a G Armed men stopped a lorry, Free Media Movement (FMM) Karuna Group, TamilNet reported. people living in the Eastern claymore explosion near Athiyady shot dead the driver, Prabath said the burning last Monday was The FMM pointed out that the province of Sri Lanka will have Kovil on Beach Road in Valvetti- Jayasinghe, 28, of Galle, and inju- "the latest incident of series of Karuna Group has political offices the choice of reading what ever hurai, Jaffna. Soon after, SLA red another man at Poonthodam in killings, harassments and threats in government controlled areas in newspaper they like." troopers shot dead a youth in the Vavuniya. Monday around 10:30 directed towards Tamil language the east and in Colombo, and is Earlier in August, paramili- vicinity. The SLA said the youth a.m. said Vavuniya police. media in Sri Lanka." protected by Sri Lankan security taries collaborating with the Sri tried to escape after hurling a gren- G Paramilitary cadres, allegedly The incident occurred in the forces. Lanka Army had threatened the ade at them, killing one of the sol- of the Karuna Group, set fire to government control Kiran region The Virakesari is the only owner of Surena Travels not to diers, but local witnesses said that regional Tamil dailies in Battical- of Batticaloa, near the Kiran Tamil language newspaper which deliver the Sudaroli and Thina- youth was walking along Beach oa (see separate story). regional Secretariat. has been distributed in the east for kural newspapers to Batticaloa Road when the SLA shot at him. G Nadarajah Inthiran, 23, was An armed group of 10-15 some time now, the FMM press distrobutor. found lying with gunshot injuries men, reportedly cadres of the release said. On August 5, paramilitary October 23 at the Hali Oluwa junction in paramilitary Karuna Group, had "Other two Tamil dailies Sudar cadres burnt the Sudaroli, Seruvila, Serunuwara. He was stopped the private passenger Oli and Thinakural, were banned Thinakural distributor's shop in G A civilian and a police sergeant taken to hospital, where he died. transport bus and a van carrying in the beginning of the year in Batticaloa, despite it being locat- were seriously injured when a G Five Tamil youths were abduct- the copies of Virakesari daily and Batticaloa and Amparai allegedly ed 75 meters from a Sri Lankan mortar shell exploded near a poli- ed from Thiriyai, Trincomalee, by metro News to be distributed in by the Karuna Group," the state- military camp. ce sentry point on the Vavunathivu unknown armed persons. Violence in NE in week ending Oct 22

boat had also been heavily shot up. wife Thirukeswary Vikneswaran, at Karavedy along Arasady- Summary of incidents - apart from G One SLA trooper was seriously 30, living at Maththegoda Housing Sonappu Road, shot him dead, and injured when a claymore attached Scheme in Maharagama, were kid- escaped. major clashes - since October 16. to a tree exploded on soldiers ret- napped around 1:00 am Thursday G Kanthan Uthayakumar, 32, a urning to their camps in Nelliyady and their bullet riddled bodies trader from Karavedy East in after conducting a cordon and were recovered by Police in the Vadamardchchy, was shot in October 22 The two brigades control the areas search operation in the Vathiry Piliyandala area around 6:00 am in Karavedy by gunmen who fol- of Navatkull, Kaithadi and Chem- area of Jaffna. Unconfirmed repo- the same morning. lowed him in on a motorbike, G Gunmen shot and killed Sivap- mani and are widely believed rts said there were fatalities in the G Regi Balananthan, 30, was kid- while he was riding his bicycle. atha Sharma, 40, a Saivite priest, responsible for the disappearances explosion. napped at Aluthmawaththa, aro- G Armed men riding a motor-bike in Vavuniya. He was one of the of the youths. However, officials G The family of Karuppiah und 10:00 pm Thursday and his followed three friends riding their organisers of a vigil group against from both brigades have rejected Sinniah, 32, of Periyakamam in bullet riddled body was found at motor cycles and shot them at theft and robberies. The police the accusation and said that they Mannar, who disappeared after roadside in Ragama. Rasa Veethy located between Mas- said there was no known political are unaware of the disappearances. going to check his paddy fields on G The People Vigilance Comm- ivan junction and Nilavarai in or military motives for the killing. G There were reports that the SLA 27 December, has sought the assis- ittee, a committee comprising a Valigamam East. G The body of Jeyaratnam and LTTE exchanged artillery fire tance of the SLMM and the number of political parties and Kulasingham Kunarasa, 28, a Jesuthadasan, 27, was found with near Muhamalai FDL. SLHRC to trace his whereabouts. civil right organizations in Colom- mechanic from Thunalai, Vellup- gun shot injuries along St. Ant- The family suspect that he could bo, in press release said nine illai Thiyagarajah, 59, a vehicle ony's Lane in Trincomalee town. October 21 have been arrested by Sri Lankan Tamils have been killed and thirty- broker from Atchuveli, and Illaya- G Armed men opened fire on a G armed forces. three have disappeared in the last thamby Kirupananthan 32, a paint- police sentry point at 39th Colony, The body of a youth abducted few weeks in Colombo. er from Atchuveli, were all killed. Amparai, seriously injuring a by armed men on Wednesday was October 20 Nine people have been G Unidentified men used a hand home guard. The STA, STF and recovered Saturday with assault released after paying ransom. pistol to shoot dead Kurusamy police cordoned off the area and injuries. Kanthasamy Sureshkum- G The Sea Tigers retaliated In the previous two days three Kathiravelu, 44, of Koiathodam in conducted a search operation, ar, 17, of Mavadivembu in Eravur, against a SLN flotilla that lau- more Tamils, a trader Jeyaraja, 46, Jaffna, at his food shop in front of recovering a T56 type assault rifle was abducted at Santhanamadu in nched an attack on Tiger vessels in from Moratuwa, Maheswarathee- Jaffna Teaching Hospital. with its magazine. Sithandy, and his body was dis- the seas off LTTE territory in pan, 25, from Modara, and Shan G In Athiyady, Point Pedro, gun- G A SLA trooper was seriously covered in the centre of Sithandy Nagarkovil. George, 15, a student from Matta- men shot dead Thavarasa, a lab- injured when a claymore attached three days later. The Sea Tigers chased the SLN G kkuliya, had disappeared, the PVC ourer. to a tree along the Uddupiddy-Vat- The bodies of two Tamil young flotilla towards Kudathanai, dam- said in its press release. G A dead body with knife wounds hiry road near Irumpu Mathavady fishermen who left Pesalai, aging two Dvora Fast Attack Craf- G Three members of a family, was found dumped in a well at exploded on soldiers returning to Mannar, Friday afternoon for fish- ts, LTTE officials said. including a 3 year old boy, were Neeraviady close to Jaffna Hindu their camps in Nelliyady after con- ing, were found with several gun- Fishermen in Point Pedro said seriously injured when high explo- College in Jaffna town. ducting a cordon and search oper- shot injuries Sunday inside their the SLN personnel withdrew and sive artillery shells fired by the The victim was identified as ation in Vathiry. fibre glass fishing boat about 15 landed in Point Pedro following SLA from Valaichenai brigade and Kuganthan, 28 from Yarl Road, G Mohanathas Kannathas, 29, and km off Pesalai coast. heavy clashes in the seas. Sinhapura camps hit their house. Kantharmadam based on the par- Rajaji Thavaraj, 28, two brothers Savarian Robinson Koonja, 19, SLAF helicopters and SLN The soldiers were firing ticulars in the identity card found from Kantharmadam, Jaffna, were and Sahayam Ajith Croos, of vessels resumed attack on the Sea towards residential settlements in on his body. reported missing on their way to Pesalai had left in their fibreglass Tiger flotilla that was returning to LTTE controlled Vaharai. The knife wounds on the body Thenmaradchi, near Chemmani, boat to cast nets in deep sea Mullaithivu. Sri Lankan military M. Sivanathan 28, M. Sivama- led to speculation that Kuganathan the gateway between Valigamam Friday. officials in Colombo claimed that lar 22 and M. Siyan 3 were seri- was knifed to death before being and Thenmaradchy. The villagers had launched a they had sunk 3 LTTE boats and ously injured in the shelling that dumped into the well. The SLA's 51-4 Brigade oper- search operation when they failed killed 20 Sea Tigers. continued for more than an hour, Residents said they heard gun- ates in the area west of Chemmani to return and searchers found the G The SLA in Varany, Thenma- and seven houses were badly dam- shots from Kasthuriar Road and and another brigade of the SLA's bodies in their boat, drifting at sea. radchi, began firing artillery shells aged. Kankesanthurai Road areas the 55th division operate in the FDLs Each body had more than towards LTTE controlled areas. G Gunmen called Thiyagarajan near Ariyalai South, Kilali areas. twenty gunshot injuries and the G David Vikneswaran, 35, and his Thilainathan, 28, out of his house Continued on page 14 tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:14 PM Page 14

14 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 NEWS Violence in NE ... Karuna Group ‘abducted up to Continued from page 13 exploded in the area. Sporadic stable attached to Kallady police exchange of artillery fire between station in Batticaloa at a bus halt previous night. the LTTE and the SLA continued close to the Kurukal Madam STF G An auto trishaw driver who dis- across Muhamalai FDL. camp in Batticaloa. llayathamby 900 children’ appeared after being last seen at a Ilankeswaran, 43, a father of four, SLA check point in Jaffna We- of Kurukal Madam, died on the dnesday, escaped from the SLA October 18 spot when gunmen fired at him as camp in Chavakachcheri and G THE Karuna Group has abducted "Karuna's political wing, the Heavy fighting between the he was waiting for a bus on his between 300 and 900 children - TMVP, has opened several appeared in Courts under the pro- SLN and LTTE was reported near way to work. tection of SLHRC. The driver G some as young as 12 - since offices around eastern Sri Lanka the coast of Karainagar in Jaffna SLMM officers Edward and March, The Times newspaper recently, many beside military alleged he was taken to several Islets. Bjørn Kjelsaas, accompanied by SLA camps and was tortured G reported this week, quoting inter- camps," the paper reported. Armed persons shot and injured LTTE Amparai District Political national and local aid workers in The paper spoke to five Tamil while in SLA custody. Veera Arachchilage Antony Silva, Head S. Jeya, inspected the houses Kandiah Kandeepan, 30, a Sri Lanka. mothers who told similar stories 38, a father of two, at his residence and properties destroyed by STF The paramilitary group's about their sons being seized and father of two of Sivan Kovil Road, in Pesalai. artillery shelling, and spoke with Chavakachcheri, told SLHRC G "escalating activity has emerged forced to work as soldiers or The body of a male, estimated the affected civilians. Earlier, Mr as a key factor behind the ups- labourers for the Karuna Group. officials that he was stopped and to be 25 years old, with gunshot Jeya, had briefed the SLMM on interrogated by soldiers at the urge in violence that has killed "None reported the abductions to wounds, was found at Paalpan- the previous week's pre-dawn more than 2,000 people this year the police for fear of retribution," Sarasalai Army checkpoint on 18 naiyadi, Thirunelvely within Jaf- offensive of the Sri Lankan STF October. and left a 2002 ceasefire agree- the paper said. fna Municipal limits. The man was into LTTE controlled Kanchiku- ment in tatters," the British news- Analysts the paper spoke to After the interrogations, the riding a bicycle when he was shot dicharu. The SLMM officers told soldiers had ordered him to take 3 paper said. cited the Karuna Group as one of dead. Mr Jeya that STF had stopped the The Times spoke to residents the main obstacles to a negotiat- other soldiers in his vehicle to the G Two SLA troopers were serious- SLMM from visiting the affected nearby Vannaththippalam Army and aid workers in Sri Lanka's ed settlement to Sri Lanka's long- ly injured when unidentified men area sooner, saying that fighting restive Batticaloa district. running conflict. camp in Vatharavaththai. riding a motorbike hurled a hand was going on between the LTTE There he was blindfolded and "Karuna is implicating the The paper quoted analysts as grenade towards the soldiers on and Karuna group and that it was Government in the kidnap and saying that Karuna is at the heart subjected to severe torture and foot patrol in Neervely. not safe. transferred to various camps in G exploitation of hundreds of chil- of the Sri Lankan government's Arumugam Joseph, 60, from Armed men opened fire on a dren, according to aid workers, strategy to divide and conquer Thenmarachchi region. Neervely, was seriously injured SLA unit of the Murakodanchenai On Thursday night SLA sol- truce monitors, witnesses and rel- the Tigers by exploiting tensions when soldiers fired indiscrimi- SLA camp at Sithandy, Eravur, atives," the paper said. between northern and eastern diers took him to Kompikkulam- nately following the attack. seriously wounding one trooper, kadu area in Sarasalai. Using the G "There is some sort of com- Tamils. A claymore aimed at a military M. K. Senivaratne, 33. The SLA plicity by the Government in The Times, whose editorials night time as cover, he said he convey in Chavakachcheri in retaliated following the attack but managed to escape and took what is happening to children are strongly critical of the Thenmarachchi region, exploded no one was hurt and no one was here," one aid worker who asked Liberation Tigers' armed strug- refuge at a house in Puthur. but missed the intended target. arrested in the search operation Friday morning he contacted not to be identified told The gle, also spoke to E. Prethip, an Following the attack, the SLA conducted by the SLA. Times. "Most people feel there is official in the TMVP's Batticaloa the SLHRC who produced him conducted a cordon and search G Two SLAF Kfir bombers destr- before the Chavakachcheri judge, no difference between the office, who denied recruiting operation in the area, but no one oyed the main broadcast tower and Government and Karuna." minors and blamed the Tigers. who gave orders to keep him in the was arrested. transmitter of the Thamileelam custody of prison officers in Jaffna G Batticaloa residents and Earlier, the Associated Press Piriyaliny Karalasingam, 32, a Radio that broadcasts the Voice of Norwegian-led truce monitors had reported that the Karuna prison. mother of one, living at Selvan- Tigers, official broadcast of the G Gunmen opened fire on a police told The Times that they regular- Group has abducted hundreds of ayagam Road, Batticaloa, was Liberation Tigers, Thamileelam ly see Karuna members - armed men and boys - some as young as road patrol unit at Pandarikulam, shot dead by gunmen who called Vanoli, a commercial Tamil ser- Vavuniya, seriously injuring a and in black uniforms or civilian 12 - and is training them for com- her name and shot her dead at vice and a Sinhala language dress - working alongside troops bat in camps operated with the policeman. Police and the military point blank range near her house broadcast. cordoned off and searched the area G and police. government's consent. The men gate. Mrs. Karalasingam is from A claymore mine placed near They say that government forced recruits are taken to bases immediately after the shooting, Muthur and was staying in a rela- the sixth mile post along Trinc- but no arrests were made. forces allow Karuna to transport near army compounds where tive's house when she was killed. omalee-Nilaveli road exploded, children through dozens of they are used as labourers or Her husband is working in a but no one was injured. Security checkpoints on the way to a taught to use weapons. October 19 Middle East country. officers said the claymore had G training camp near the town of Vairamuttu Arasamma, 52, was been targeting a navy vehicle car- Welikande. Child protection Act, p2 G Sivasubramaniam Suthan, 31, killed in Karadiyanaru when 2 rying troops, but exploded after was shot dead by gunmen who SLAF Kfir bombers dropped more the SLN vehicle passed the site. went to his home in Sandilippai than five bombs on the civilian suburb in Trincomalee town, Vadmaradchchi, who had gone on North, Jaffna. settlement. In the same bombing, October 16 where he had been residing. He a personal errand to Viyaparim- G Thuraisingam Thavachchelvan, M. Roshan, 38, and K. Gopu, 10, was employed as driver in the oolai, was shot dead by unidenti- 31, was shot dead by an unknown were wounded in Paalchenai. Both G Vehicles along key roads lead- World Bank funded North East fied men. person who visited him at his ing to Trincomalee and Batticaloa Housing Reconstruction Project. G A SLAF Israeli-built Kfir villages are in LTTE controlled G house, located 200 meters from a territory northwest of Batticaloa came under attack by Sinhala A policeman attached to bomber came down as it took off military checkpoint, in Puththur town. Six houses were destroyed gangs in Habarana, following a Valvettithurai police station and a to bomb LTTE territory, falling East, Valikamam. in the SLAF bombing, and two of bomb attack that claimed more SLA trooper were killed by a into the Negombo lagoon. The G Unidentified persons shot dead the five bombs in Karadiyanaru than one hundred SLN lives. remotely triggered claymore blast, pilot ejected before the Kfir came Rajagopal Karunakaran, a Tamil did not explode. Gangs have hurled stones at vehi- when the SLA road patrol was down, Sri Lankan military spok- fisherman of Division No: 10 of cles belonging to Tamils and attacked between Udupidy and esman Prasad Samarasinghe said. Trincomalee town. Muslims, with at least twenty Valvetithurai in Vadmaradchchi G Markandu Mahendran, 39, who G A Pillayar temple, a Multi- October 17 vehicles including state, private north. served as Grama Sevaka in Purpose Co-operative Society G Gunmen in a white van abduct- buses and cars being damaged. The unit was on its way to Ariyalai for several years was shot building and 13 houses were badly ed a Muslim youth from his home Several passengers were also Valvettithurai from the Udupidy dead by unknown gunmen at his damaged when SLAF Kfir attack at Kavathamunai MPCS Road in injured in the incidents. Sinhala junction SLA camp when the residence in Ariyalai, Jaffna. aircrafts bombed civilian settle- Valaichenai. Relatives of Moha- gangs operating under the cover of attack occurred. The claymore G Two gunmen arrived at the ments in Tharavai and Iralakulam med Thaheem 21, a trader, regis- darkness were allegedly being device was attached to a bicycle house of Selliah Nanthan, 42, in in LTTE Batticaloa district. There tered a complaint with Valaichenai assisted by SLA soldiers and left leaning on the wall of an aban- Tellipallai Road, Vaddukoddai, were no injuries as residents had police. Residents speculated a police personnel in uniform, doned Christian cemetery. and shot and killed him at close sought safety in the jungles and local business related dispute affected passengers said. The G Two girls were killed and 15 range. other places when the bombings might have been the reason for the attacks also occurred near the civilians wounded when SLAF G Ariyathurai Ariyasivam, 40, began Wednesday. However, a abduction. Habarana Police Station. bombers attacked Kaiveli, a vil- who runs a tea-shop in the central large number of livestock includ- G Armed men attacked a police G Arivucholai, an orphanage lage in Puthukudiyiruppu. (See part of Jaffna town, was shot dead ing goats and cattle were injured sentry point, manned by five home housing 216 children in LTTE separate story) by gunmen at his business premis- or killed in the bombing. guards, at Thamanabantha, Ampa- controlled Puthukudiyiruppu, G Gajathu Mohamed Mustafa, 43, es. Ariyasivam, a father of four, G Unidentified men activated a rai, seriously injuring one of the Mullaithivu, narrowly escaped a of Vinayaga Mudaliyar Road, was displaced from Mandaitivu claymore mine at Pathiniyar home guards, identified as M. Sa- catastrophic air-strike from SLAF Point-Pedro, the husband of a and was residing in Kokuvil. Mahilankulam in Vavuniya killing mantha. Police and home guards Kfir aircrafts, which dropped two Tamil woman, was stopped and G Iranagama Sooriyasinghe, 56, a two SLA troopers of a road patrol reinforcements rushed to the site, bombs on the playground and the shot dead at Oddadi Road in Pt. Sinhala civilian from Galle who unit on the spot. cordoned it off and searched the bathing facility of the orphanage. Pedro while on his way to Pt. settled in Viyaparimoolai in G A civilian from Thavasikkulam, surroundings., but no onewas One boy was wounded. Pedro town. Vadmaradchy, was shot dead by Mirusuvil in Thenmarachchi arrested. G Muthu Mohanaraja, 24, was G Vairamuthu Nallathamby, 58, a gunmen when he was on his way region was killed when a shell G Gunmen shot dead a police con- shot dead in Anpuvallipuram, a family man of Thunnalai in to a nearby shop to buy provisions. tg335friday.qxd 11/3/2006 9:16 PM Page 15

TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006 15 NEWS India’s model is ‘not intended to satisfy aspirations for self-rule’

WHILE THE Sri Lanka govern- ing paving the way for an agree- ment negotiators meeting the ment to look at the Indian consti- LTTE representatives in Geneva tutional model as the basis for a last weekend heralded the All solution to the Tamil National Party Representative Committee question." (APRC) as key to formulating "a "To say that one should look at political and constitutional frame- the Indian model is one thing, but work for the resolution of the to say that the Indian model should national question," an APRC dele- form the basis for a solution to the gation has been touring India to Tamil National question is another study India's federal set up. thing all together," Mr. Ponnamb- But Gajendrakumar Ponnam- alam said. balam, TNA (Tamil National Alli- Moreover, recently there have ance) MP and Member of the been media reports indicating that Parliamentary Consultative Com- APRC's work focused on the vil- mittees for Constitutional affairs, lage-level Panchayat as the "ray of says that the post-partition consti- hope" to solve Sri Lanka's tution of India was not required to "domestic problems." address any sovereignty issues The Leader of the study group similar to those that lie at the core and Sri Lanka's Minister of of Tamil struggle, and therefore, is Science and Technology, Tissa ill-suited for Sri Lanka. Vitarana, is of the view that the "The current Indian constitu- Panchayat concept "could become tional model can be termed a the central piece of Sri Lanka's quasi-federal one. It has federal as well as strong unitary characteris- tics as exemplified by Article 356, ‘Whatever model which vests the President with powers to dismiss state legislature that is mooted and Executive," Mr. Ponnamba- lam said. will have to be "This model came into exis- attractive enough tence in India after Pakistan, and the Bangladesh of today, separated for the Tamils to from India. Therefore, the present consider it as a Indian constitutional model did not have to address strong seces- viable alternative to sionist sentiments, and serves mainly to unite non-fissiparous the creation of a ethnolinguistic regions." separate state’ "The conflict resolution proc- ess in Sri Lanka, on the other hand SLMM officials visited the bombed places and visited some of the injured in hospital. Photos TamilNet will have to address the strong secessionist desires of the Tamil People." "In other words, whatever future framework to tackle issues model that is being mooted will such as the LTTE problem," have to be attractive enough for Hindustan Times reported. SLAF bombers kill 2 Responding to these com- the Tamils to consider it as a viable alternative to the creation of ments, Mr Ponnambalam, a separate state," Mr Ponnamb- observed that "the Panchayat Raj alam said. is a local-council level administra- kids in Mullaithivu "The Tamils have consistently tive mechanism adopted as stated that if a viable alternative to 73rd/74th amendments to the separation is to be considered, Indian constitution. It was enacted such an alternative will have to mainly to promote grass-root level A ONE-YEAR-OLD baby girl and Lanka Navy troopers were killed SLAF bombers have been recognize the Tamils as a distinct democracy, to empower poor a 12-year-old girl were killed and two weeks ago. heavily deployed in Sri Lankan Nation of people, recognize the women, and to enable feudally- 15 civilians were wounded when Six civilians wounded in the attacks inside LTTE territory since areas of historical habitation of the strapped residents of rural India to SLAF bombers attacked Kaiveli, a attack were being treated at April this year. Tamil speaking people, and the participate in the world's largest village in Puthuk-udiyiruppu, in Puthukudiyiruppu hospital. Eight 51 school girls and 4 staff were right to self-determination of the democracy." the early hours of the morning on persons with serious injuries were killed at an educational compound Tamil Nation," he pointed out. As such, "it is foolish to think 16 October. admitted to Ponnambalam Hosp- in Vallipunam, Mulla-ithivu, in a "In giving expression to these Panchayat scheme will satisfy Four Kfir jet bombers targeted ital in Puthukudiyiruppu and one similar SLAF bombing on 14 aspirations, one will also have to Tamil people," he said. a civilian settlement on the left critically wounded was rushed to August this year. accept certain ground-realities "Sri Lanka's attempt to intro- side of Puthukudiyiruppu - Paran- Kilinochchi hospital. The Sri Lankan government namely, the existence of a de-facto duce this third-tier administrative than Road. Earlier that evening, a Kfir jet defended the slaughter, saying parallel state." model into devolution debate Nine civilian houses were had come down in Negombo, those killed LTTE cadres undergo- "Therefore, how relevant the appears to be deliberate, and destroyed in the bombardment. when it took off to bomb Puthu- ing military training. current Indian constitutional exposes the deep-rooted disdain A one-month-old baby miracu- kudiyiruppu. However, international cease- model is to Sri Lanka, is a ques- Sinhala political leaders have lously escaped from the attack. Meanwhile, LTTE Peace Sec- fire monitors said there was no tion that has to be seriously asked towards the basic Tamil demand Eleven women and 4 men were retariat officials in Kilinochchi evidence of military training or if it is to be considered as a basis for self-governance." wounded in the bombing, which is said the truce monitors had visited facilities in the bombed site. The for conflict resolution to the Tamil "It also raises troubling ques- speculated to have been in retalia- and inspected the site and the hos- UN children’s agency also protest- National question in Sri Lanka." tions on the objectives of APRC's tion for a bomb attack in pital where the wounded were ed the killings, saying the victims "There has been some talk constitutional re-engineering exer- Habarana, in which around 115 Sri being treated. were shoolgirls. about the SLFP-UNP understand- cise," Mr Ponnambalam said. 16 TAMIL GUARDIAN Wednesday November 01, 2006

Tamils living in Bergen, Norway held a peace event last Thursday, expressing their desire for a just peace and con- demned the human rights violation committed by the Sri Lankan Armed forces and the paramilitaries operating with them. Representatives of major political parties took part in the event, held in the town centre. Photo TamilNet

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