Army chief recalls suicide attempt on life...

Army Commander, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who survived an assassination attempt, after four months in hospital, returned to the Army Headquarters this week to resume duties.

He discussed a wide range of issues from his health, his action plan and security situation and the blast itself in an interview with Sunday Observer staffer Ranga Jayasuriya.

Excerpts:

Q: We heard that you recounted the moment leading to the blast...?

A: Yes... I saw the woman (suicide bomber) standing, dressed in a yellow Shalwar Kamiz next to the hospital gate. She was coming towards the car. Later I came to know she was the suicide bomber.

At that time I was going to my residence for lunch. It is only a few minutes travel from my office to the residence.

When the vehicle approached the hospital, two soldiers saluted me. I looked at them. Then I saw the woman in the shalwar coming towards the car. Suddenly there was a blast and a fireball. The car moved a few metres and stopped. I saw the driver and the ADC fallen. I noticed that one in the front seat was dead. It struck me and we were hit by a blast. I got up and tried to open the door. A commando came running towards me. He opened the door.

I noticed my chin bleeding. I got off and stood on the ground clutching the door. I also realised that my brain and heart was not damaged. The motorcycle riders were fallen on the ground. By the time I was put in to the ambulance, I felt my stomach was filling up.

It struck me of my experience when I was injured in Operation Yaldevi (1993) I realised there was internal bleeding. I felt difficulty in breathing. I asked to remove blood using a valve. I could remember the traffic and the moment I was admitted to the hospital. I told the doctors of my difficulties.

My clothes were drenched in blood, so they had to be torn to prepare me for the surgery. Only that I remember. But they say strengthen arm when I was told to do so, But I cant remember.

Q: So when you regained consensus...?

A: I could remember my daughter saying "Thaththi api awa". I have a friend of mine, a doctor serving in the United Kingdom. I heard him saying "Sarath. This is Sunil, I came 12,000 miles to see you". I could see none of them, but I could hear. Later I came to know that I regained consciousness after five days. There was pain caused by internal injuries for four to five days. Most of the wounds cured within a month. Even the doctors were surprised at the pace at the pace I recovered.

Q: How do you feel now, having survived a very close attempt on your life?

A: That is not a good moment to revisit. But I must say that in no way it could alter my commitment or my program. The sooner I forget it, it is better to accomplish our task. What I am planning now is to execute my responsibilities delayed by the incident.

Q: You were firm in the conviction that the LTTE could be defeated militarily. Do you still believe in the same?

A: I never articulate military action as the only option. There is political leadership to take political decisions and we the security forces are here to protect the law and order and fight terrorism, if required.

If there is a possibility for a negotiated settlement, I don't think anyone would want to opt for military action. If the LTTE commits itself to the peace process, we have no grouse with them. We don't want to keep past rivalries. But if the LTTE exploits in truce agreement and continues with terrorism we will be forced to react.

Q: Do you think that the LTTE is sincere in the peace process?

A: Given the manner they conduct themselves, they are not sincere. I cannot see sincerity on the part of the LTTE when they continue to explode claymore mines and kill civilians and soldiers alike. And if they choose, terrorism, and we are forced to act, there is no problem with defeating a group of 7,000 cadres.

Q: Of them, how many are hardcore fighters, according to your estimates?

A: Hardcore fighters I would say about 2,000. They suffered heavy casualties during year 2000-just before the truce.

Q: So what is the impact of the Makkal Padei, the newly trained civil militia on the security situation?

A: In a scenario of a military confrontation, they could act as information providers to the LTTE. I can't think of a bigger role for them. Some of them were forcibly trained and they would run away when bombs fall. I however don't accept those who plant claymore mines as civilian. Once he or she plants a bomb or fires at troops, intending to kill them, the person becomes a part of the LTTE.

The motive is important. Otherwise what is the difference between a suicide bomber disguising as a civilian and a civilian himself?

Q: The LTTE strategy seems to be, at least for now, is to avoid face to face confrontation and launch claymore attacks and hit and run attacks against the troops and target VIPs using suicide bombers...?

A: Yes. This is a long term plan. By killing soldiers from a distance, the LTTE plans to discourage the soldiers and divert troops - who otherwise can be used in operational duties for road protection. And through suicide bombers LTTE could create fear psychosis among the public.

We have plans to face this situation, but I can't divulge details for operational reasons.

Q: As shown in the assassination attempt on you and assassination of General Parami Kulatunge, aren't the Tigers getting more creative than we suspected?

A: Suicide bombing is a deep rooted problem. Its impact is felt in many parts of the world. There are LTTE operatives and suicide cadres who long lived in Sinhalese dominated areas and are well versed in Sinhala.

They could easily pose as unsuspected civilians and infiltrate high security place or economic targets. Even our Intelligence, like any other of its counterpart is not entirely fool proof. There are loopholes and they (LTTE) can make use of them.

And about the assassination attempt on my life, there were 1,800 people who visited the Army Headquarters that day. This is not only the Army Headquarters. There was a hospital, an accounts branch, welfare shops and lots of other places. If we tried to limit admission then, there could have been other problems. However, now action is being taken. We need the support of the public.

Q: Earlier there were complaints that Military intelligence was short of logistical facilities, weapons etc?

A: These problems have been addressed. There was a time when a number of intelligence operatives were hunted by the LTTE. That trend has been reversed.

Q: There are several incidents which suggested that certain people inside the security forces are acting as informants for the LTTE?

A: We are working on that. We are looking deep in to the background of security forces personnel before they are enlisted. We have uncovered several people who posed as Sinhalese using forged documents. They were however well versed in Sinhala. However, if evidence prove that any one is providing information to the LTTE, he or she would be brought before a court of inquiry and maximum penalties would be meted out. But, there should be incontroverbile evidence to prove his involvement. You can't charge a person, simply if there is a rumour to that effect.

Q: What do you feel about the response of the public when you were injured?

A: Baring a minority, a microscopic minority I would say, the entire nation was with me, blessing me, wishing me a speedy recovery.

We can be proud of that. And I wish to express my gratitude to the people for their concern about me. I pledge to honour that trust and confidence.

Q: How is your health condition. What are your doctors' recommendations?

A: They say I have recovered almost completely. Only thing I lost 18 kilos of weight.

Q: By the way you survived three LTTE attacks. What do you think of your luck?

A: This can be my luck or LTTE's misfortune. I am not sure. I am sincerely committed to my cause.

I am doing my utmost to keep the moral of ground troops high. There are certain people criticising my decisions, but I take them not for my personal advantage, but to build a battle- prepared army.

Q: How did your family cope when you were seriously injured?

A: Like any other family, they felt the shock and horror. That is understandable. But they never asked me to resign or dilute my commitment. That is a plus point.

Q: So What are your immediate concerns after you resume duties?

A: I plan to travel to operational areas to meet the soldiers. I hope to continue with army reforms smoothly there by building a stronger army.

Q: When will you meet the ground forces?

A: As the first thing after I put on the uniform.