Countering LTTE’s terrorism unlimited

Clarence WELIKALA

SECURITY ENHANCED: The recent events bringing to bear the escalation of terrorism in Sri Lanka could veritably be depicted in speech or writing as “Terrorism Unlimited”.

This description could be quantified especially after the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam demonstrated its air capability recently.

Even now, there is no information ensuring from any intelligence source, be it local or foreign, how/when had these aircraft been acquired, and the possibility of this group acquiring more sophisticated aircraft in the future.

Terror attacks

Unlike the Unites State Air force which began the first daylight bombing of Germany, the LTTE conducted their attacks by night. It must be accepted that daylight attacks are far more precise for purposes of targeting, but exposes bombers to more danger than night attacks.

So, it would mean that the LTTE adopted their modus operandi eliminating exposure and orchestrating their effort in such a manner to enforce the element of surprise. Of course, the LTTE air attacks could be described as “terror raids”.

The dense living conditions around production centres and the many wooden residential constructions could contribute to large losses of life. Due to these recent developments, the eyes of the world are upon us.

The hopes, aspirations and prayers of “liberty-loving’ people everywhere are with us. Our brothers-in-arms, through their valiant and dedicated efforts, sacrificing life and limb to defend our country are instilled with the hope of eliminating the tyranny prevalent with the air of security and freedom for all Sri Lankans.

Unlike moving in an open country side, it is difficult to destroy the LTTE’s camouflaged defensive positions.

It will be worthwhile, for the Security Forces to indulge in “Professional Information Gathering” with an initial strategic objective to draw in enemy reserves via the intelligence units of the Armed Forces and thereby, protect ground, naval and airborne troops so as to promote a later turning movement both Northward and Eastward.

The Sri Lanka Air Force could use their reconnaissance and ground attack aircraft to accomplish their mission. So, it is time to, with the introduction of air strikes by the LTTE, to bolster the Sri Lanka Air Force by upgrading their air defence systems.

This subject has been given much publicity through many a fora, the media and the Ministry of Disaster Management.

Disaster response and recovery efforts require timely interaction and co-ordination of public emergency services in order to save lives and property. Today, Information Technology is used in this field of activity only to a limited extent, effectiveness in coping with a disaster.

A worthy exercise would be to sketch our requirements and short-list innovative technology in pursuance of an integrated disaster management communication and information system, addressing in particular network, configuration, scheduling and data management issues during the response and recovery phases.

It will be favourable to state that the Indian Government has taken a serious view of the threat posed by the LTTE and have taken necessary measures to curb the LTTE activities in Tamil Nadu and to arrest those who act in favour of this terrorist organisation.

Further, following the aerial threats of the LTTE in Sri Lanka, the Tamil Nadu coastal regions have been strengthened.

Security arrangements in the many villages have been increased recently as those villages have been identified as vulnerable as far as the LTTE infiltration from Sri Lanka is concerned.

To this end, around 500 coastal guards with Indian Navy’s air support have been deployed in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and in the high seas covering the Palk Straits. Fishermen of the Tamil Nadu coast have been warned of LTTE infiltration into the Indian territorial waters.

Disaster management

From the above it could be adduced that the LTTE is not only a terrorist organisation operating only within Sri Lanka, but internationally.

It could be regarded as a worldwide criminal syndicate as their cadres are arrested and convicted all over the world for crimes related to drugs, arms trade, trafficking, passport sale and credit card frauds.

It is gratifying to note that, as a sequel to the recent air strikes by the LTTE, the security of harbours and Naval installations around the island have been intensified to some extent. Apart from routine sea patrols, the Naval ships with anti aircraft guns and radars have been mobilised to look out for LTTE aircraft.

The stringent measures taken by India to prevent LTTE infiltration into Sri Lankan waters and air space, with the increase of men and machinery of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard has also helped in a big way to curtail LTTE’s gun running between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka in a very big way, and is an eye opener for us.

The Government’s efforts to revamp the Air Force with sophisticated and state-of-the-art aircraft should not be delayed as this is, no doubt, a positive means of wiping out terrorism which has raised its head in an unprecedented manner.

Seizing control or dominating areas captured is, no doubt, an achievement designed and orchestrated by the security forces through their gallantry and with the blessing of the Government. But, overall, preserving and ensuring stability of the areas in question, by far, should be the ‘theme’ of the exercise.

The result to the prevailing calamity is positively, peace - meaning, total freedom from or cessation of war coupled with friendly international relations.

The Sri Lankan population consist of a multi religious community. Religious leaders continuously preach at temples, kovils, churches, mosques and through the media delivering their thoughts, ideologies and embarking on colour, caste and creed. Religious leaders have been motivated and challenged by years of ethnic friction and disaster, ravishing our nation to a very high degree.

Their journey is interspersed with many trails and tribulations, and this course of action paves the way for understanding and reconciliation among our populace.

It is with a great amount of sacrifice, strength and unflinching courage that they instill and inculcate their believers with the hope of stability and peace during a time of volatility, war and chaos.

After all, is not this the essence and core of moral re-armament?

The much needed missions seeking ardently a remote window of opportunity to bring about a state of calm or tranquillity which our nation yearns for. It is not only demonstrating their ability through spiritual leadership to influence people, but also their guidance, servitude and compassion that make the difference between War and Peace.

The exercise will continue to be philosophical tradition through sheer dedication, service and tenacity on their part. Religion builds confidence.

It is, indeed, a channel or a means to reach people from every race, “Change of Heart” especially at this juncture, should be “two-pronged”, i.e., the incumbent government and the LTTE must jointly subscribe with a clear conscience towards this worthy effort by our religious leaders.

It is my firm belief that to achieve success, the Government and the LTTE should, therefore, indulge in sincere soul - searching, ascertain their stances suspend military activity portray solidarity and collectively approach the Peace Process.

Positive thinking and a change of heart is the only way to end global conflict and resolve domestic disputes. It is simply a way of life, a philosophy aimed basically to change people through an inner searching of their minds. That change can help to change the rest of the world for better tomorrow.

The writer is a retired consultant