Forces at victory’s doorstep - Minister Muralitheran

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

National Integration Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitheran told Parliament yesterday the sustainable peace and development can only be achieved by eradicating LTTE terrorism from this country.

At present our Armed Forces have reached the final stage of their humanitarian operation launched to put an end to terrorism. Terrorism cannot be eliminated within one night. A certain time frame is needed to completely wipe out terrorism from this country, he said. The Minister was responding to the adjournment motion moved by JVP MP Jayantha Wijesekera.

“If somebody talks in favour of the LTTE, it should be considered as a criminal offence. Therefore, I make a request from the Tamil Community living here and abroad not to extend any support to the LTTE. The LTTE has no feeling for the Tamils.”

He said police powers should not be given to the Eastern Province at this juncture as it may lead to the creation of unnecessary problems within the Province. On the directive of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, special security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the people who live in terrorist threatened villages, he said.

“In a situation where the Government has reached the final stage of eradicating terrorism, various international forces are exerting pressure against the Government to go for a ceasefire with the LTTE. If LTTE Leader Prabhakaran has a feeling for the innocent Tamil people, he should immediately release them from the clutches of the LTTE”, the Minister said. The President has invited the TNA for a discussion, I think the TNA will take this matter into their consideration. The President always speaks about protecting the due rights of the Tamil community, he said.