Tamil civilians helpless in N-E - Bishop of Colombo

COLOMBO: Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera who was on his pastoral visits to the North and to Trincomalee has stated that the Tamil civilians in particular were helpless and in fear of all sides.

Bishop Chickera in his Pastoral statement on the North and Trincomalee states:

The situation in North and Trincomalee is tense and dangerously volatile; various groups are engaged in a struggle for ideological, political and geographical space which invariably spills over into the routine lives of civilians. Streets are deserted after 2 p.m. and the people live in fear of each other.

The civilians in these areas have no one to turn to. Subtle intimidation and whisper campaigns encompass all. Independent Tamil voices are reluctant to speak for fear of being caricatured as 'the enemy'.

I visited Attaipiddy and saw for myself the tensions that prevail after the gruesome massacre of civilians, eight of them whom belonged to one family. Surviving members of this family witnessed the killing and are likely to be able to identify the killers.

The movement of civilians from this island following a threatening order presumably by a militant group adds to the misery of these people and to the complex nature of human suffering in such instances.

The people have little desire to move and it is only a speedy investigation into the massacre and deliberate measures of dialogue and trust building between the people and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces that will somewhat stem the fear and panic and dislocation of an already previously displaced people.

Contrary to what anti-peace forces imagine, the desire and drive for peace grows when conflict increases. In the context of where we stand today, the following requires attention if these aspirations are to be consolidated;

The speedy investigation of atrocities and action against the perpetrators. Such action mostly can counter fear and build trust.

A prompt return to normalcy. E.g. the functioning of schools, work places, public transport, etc must be ensured.

A more people friendly approach in the provision of security within the realistic parameters of the ground situation. A clear demonstration by the Government of Sri Lanka that the three armed services and the police and the STF are its only authentic representatives for purposes of ensuring security and maintaining law and order.

Opportunities need to be provided for independent Tamils to voice grievances, express concerns and offer solutions. For this a continuing dialogue with the authorities is necessary. Thankfully there are still some outstanding persons. In authority who are sensitive to this need.

The present Governor of the North and East is one such person and his presence and thoughtful initiatives need commendation.

An immediate return to the next round of peace talks at which the principle of devolution should be addressed.