Serving the best interests of the Tamil people

GIVEN the LTTE's heinous defiance of rising calls for giving the negotiatory process a chance, and its continuous shunning of the path of non-violence, it is only understandable that the demand should emanate in some sections for a re-banning of the LTTE.

The Tigers' attempt on the life of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa seems to have proved crucial in compelling these sections to call on the State to reclamp the ban on the LTTE.

We are given to understand that the State is having a good look at this and other propositions but we would in no way prejudge the issue. The Government, we are certain, would make a balanced decision, taking into consideration the best interests of Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, it is best that the Government continues on the path of ensuring the wellbeing of the Tamil people. As no less a person than President Mahinda Rajapaksa himself has pointed out, a firm distinction needs to be made between the LTTE and the Tamil community.

As long as the LTTE continues to pose a threat to the national interest, the State is obliged to neutralize it militarily. But even while doing so, the State is obliged to uphold and promote the legitimate interests of the Tamil people.

We urge the State to persist in this worthy policy even while taking the most stringent measures against the LTTE.

We do not advocate this or that specific security measure for the neutralizing of the LTTE but consider it necessary to urge that they in no way be permitted to hurt the legitimate interests of the Tamil people.

From this point of view, the State is doing right by continuing to provide the everyday needs of the Tamil people. As is known, State food ships are continuing to arrive in Jaffna and this process needs to continue dynamically if the best interests of the Tamil people are to be served.

It is also gratifying to note that all arrangements are underway in the North-East for the successful conduct of the G. C. E. Ordinary Level examination. In no way should the educational needs of the young of the North-East go unaddressed.

Meanwhile, the State relief effort in Vakarai, we understand, has run into some destructive opposition by the Tigers. While this episode proves the real intentions of the LTTE, we commend continuing efforts by the State to meet the needs of the people of Vakarai.

In all such on-going relief programmes to the North-East, the State has clearly underscored that it is making a clear distinction between the Tamil people and the murderous LTTE.

This vital distinction needs to be understood and appreciated by all sections of our polity, including those who staunchly oppose a political solution to our conflict.

To ignore the needs of the Tamil people would prove a grave mistake because overlooked public grievances in the North-East only win for the LTTE more and more supporters.

In fact the State and the people of the South should launch and sustain closer contact with the people of the North-East. It must be ensured that the latter remains loyal to the State.

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