Human rights and the Tamil people

THE public demonstrations which broke out in the North in reaction to the LTTE's brutal slaying of a school Principal, proved amply that not all sections of the Tamil people are intending to be cowed by the Tigers' murderous, intimidatory violence.

This is the evidence that nothing that the LTTE could do could strangle the yearning in the hearts of these sections to enjoy their democratic rights and lead a life of dignity.

Although precious lives have been lost in the LTTE's unrelenting terror campaign and this is a matter to be deeply regretted, some progress is being made in the North-East in terms of democratic development and this is something which needs to be welcomed.

That is, the people are finding it important to stand-up to LTTE terror. There is, in other words, a growing consciousness of their rights.

However, a people conscious of their rights is something the LTTE would violently resent and this is probably the reason why international human rights expert, Ian Martin has considered it important to insist on the sides to the conflict endorsing and adhering to a human rights declaration, a proposition which is anathema to the Tigers.

Why cannot the LTTE make such a commitment? Is it because they intend to reduce the North-East to a "Killing Fields"? If that is so, the "Peace" desired by the Tigers is that of the graveyard.

For, a people who are democratically-oriented would be at cross-purposes with the LTTE, whose one intention is to rule in the North-East, unchallenged.

As we have said before, the Lankan State would find this highly unacceptable, for, it is obliged to work towards a just and honourable peace which would not result in even one section of the people coming under the yoke of tyranny.

It is an account of these considerations that we need to admire TULF President V. Anandasangarie's courage and inner strength. Anandasangaree is, of course, a dour defender of Tamil rights but he would not succumb to the cruel dictates of the LTTE.

The candle lit by Anandasangaree in the name of democratic freedoms, needs to be kindled to a glowing flame by all democratically inclined Tamil citizens.

Therefore, it is vitally important that the Tamil people are saved from their self-proclaimed guardians. A human rights declaration which would be signed by both parties and respected by them is, therefore, a dire necessity.

We do not see any reason why such a task should wait until political talks are held between the sides on implementing the ceasefire - a demand made by LTTE political wing chief, S.P. Tamilselvan.

There is absolutely no connection between the two and we all on the international community and other concerned sections to pressurise the Tigers into signing and implementing this human rights declaration.

By insisting on this link the LTTE is making a glaring disclosure of its duplicity. It is betraying a tyrannical tendency and mindset and this is something no fair thinking person or group could countenance.

However, the LTTE being a big fighting machine, could not be expected to adhere to humanitarian principles easily. That is not the language it speaks. More so why, pressure needs to be brought on it to adhere to a human rights regime.

The West, in particular, should take it on itself to bring pressure on the LTTE, for the purpose of promoting human rights.