|
|
|
  |
| Sunday, 20 February 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
The Karuna thorn in the Tiger's flesh Light Refractions by Lucien Rajakarunanayake "What do you really want me to tell the President" asked Erik Solheim from his good buddy Koti Bala aka Anton Balasingham when they met recently in the UK.
"But you have to be more specific. I can't carry a vague message about militias. Why don't you name any of these militias?" asked Solheim "No, no. I can't name them. That would be going against the policy laid down at the Vanni. I'm sure the President will know what militia or armed groups I refer to." "But can't you at least give me a hint of who you want eliminated by the Government. After all you must understand the implications of this for Norway, when we are already in the hot seat with allegations of too much friendship with you and the other Vanni cats." "That may be, but I am under strict orders not to name any names. Just convey the message to put down the currently active militias," said Koti Bala somewhat irritated by the questioning by his friend. "Do you mean Karuna and his boys..." Solheim could hardly finish his question when a visibly frightened Bala began shaking his friend. "Don't ever mention that name. It is taboo. Such a person does not exist. We have done with him some time ago and don't need to be reminded of him," he said in complete disorientation. "Come on, you can't be so scared of those gun-toting guys who operate in the East. What has come over you? Surely as an ideologue you must be able to discuss issues rationally, and come up with the right answers. You must let us know what your real fears are," said Solheim. But Koti Bala wouldn't budge. "That's enough. You just convey the message to the President that all militias eliminated or brought under control, and let the Sri Lankan forces do it. We will then consider returning to the negotiating table. That is final." This was a surprise even to Solheim, who usually carries verbatim reports of Tiger demands or conditions, and even supports them. "What's so frightening about Karuna?" "There you go again," shouted Koti Bala. "I don't want to hear that name. Remember that although I live here in London, I consider this location of my home here as a part of the Vanni. The UK authorities don't oppose that, either, although they have banned our organisation. As much as that name is taboo in the Vanni, it is taboo here too. I know that those who are even found whispering that deadly and vicious name in the Vanni will be immediately disciplined, even with death. Those are our feelings." "Alright, I won't mention the name. But aren't you admitting by all this that you are all running scared of that renegade and his militia, as you call it?" asked Solheim."What do you mean running scared? I tell you that after what happen to Kaushalyan, it's not just a case of being scared, it's ten times worse." "But how can you impose such a pre-condition for the resumption of peace talks. Do you mean to say that even if the government agrees to discuss the ISGA, possibly with some other initials; you will not be at the table unless this militia is brought under control?" "Definitely; how can we come for any talks when that wild cat is roaming in the East? The whole idea is beyond comprehension, for people who do not have the tactics of terror ingrained in them. It's difficult for you to understand," said Koti Bala. "I think I'm beginning to understand," said Solheim. "Why, what do you understand? How can you, when you have not been active in terror?" "I think I'm getting a hang of this virulent Karunaphobia... "There you go again. I told you not to mention that name," Koti Bala warned in anger. "I did not mention his name. I only mentioned the name of what I can see as a major mental condition that is afflicting you. How long can you people survive as a cohesive unit with such a phobia? I am truly concerned," said Solheim. "Look, the way we see it, the Government must take all responsibility for the activity of any armed groups in areas out of our control. "What about the advice you gave us about disarming the armed militias of the other Tamil political parties to be included in the MoU? This is nothing more than that. It is only the Vanni Tigers that can carry arms among the Tamils." "What if the Government asks whether it is responsible for the armed violence and killings that your cadres carry out in government held areas, even Colombo? "Of course. It is just that they cannot enforce law and order in their own areas." "You mean the Government is responsible for your attempt to use a suicide killer to blast Douglas Devananda to pieces, in his Colombo ministry?" "Let's not go into specifics. We are responsible for law and order, and even violence in our own areas, similarly the Government has to shoulder similar responsibility in areas under its own control." "But how can you expect the Government to seriously go after the name you fear so much, when he is not targeting any government forces or civilians who have no links with you people? How can it get popular backing for such a policy?" "Getting popular backing is a problem for the Government. Our problem is that we want this renegade cat out our way. It has already done enough harm. We don't know who we can appoint in the East, or who we can trust there anymore. Can't you see the problem we face, with this damn cat on the prowl?" "So why not get him yourself, surely there is all the intelligence of Pottu Amman, and all other strategies and facilities at your command?" asked Solheim. "That is what you think. I'd better not tell you the real story. That damn eastern cat has caused so many problems for us, after all the problems caused by the tsunami that we have decided to send our Vanni leaders to foreign countries, to get a refresher course in federalism. "It's being done just to keep them out of harm. Who knows where the next strike will be, or who is being targeted?" "I've always sympathised with your movement a lot, but it looks as if you just can't stomach the medicine that you have been giving others for so long. I really worry for what would happen to you people, if the Tamil people begin to understand how frightened you are of Karuna... "There you go again. Silence, I say. Never mention that name again," Koti Bala had never shouted at Solheim like that before. His shivering was a mixture of anger and fear. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
"Just tell her that we can't come for peace talks unless the
various militias that operate in the country are put down by her
government," was the Koti Bala's response.
