Combating world terrorism

On September 11, 2001, Al-Qaeda terrorists used four hijacked passenger aircraft to shock not only the superpower United States, but also the rest of the world. All peace-loving people across the globe unreservedly condemned that merciless act which killed hundreds of people.

The US government has been taking firm steps to combat terrorism since then. Perhaps, some have been costly exercises, but the aim of the US is to wipe out terrorism and create a peaceful environment for all. Irrespective of political and other social differences, all Americans backed President George W. Bush in a global mission against terrorism.

The Americans considered the 9/11 attack as a temporary setback. "Terrorists could hit and run, but we will search every nook and corner and destroy them," was the general belief of Americans who wholeheartedly backed the US forces in a worldwide mission to wipe out terrorism. They had the right to do so, not only to protect the Americans but also all peace-loving people in all five continents.

Terrorism is gradually making inroads into all corners of the globe. Perhaps goals and objectives may differ but the cruel acts of terrorists, be it in America or in this part of the world, are the same. They bring nothing but misery and agony to loyal citizens.

Last Sunday's unsuccessful attempt to bomb the main Air Force base at Katunayake was another act of terrorism, this time by the LTTE, the world's deadliest and most merciless terrorist organisation which has been already banned in the US, European Union, India and Australia.

Thanks to the vigilant airmen who were on duty, the Air Force averted a major disaster. The target of the two light aircraft of the LTTE was the newly purchased MiG-27 and seasoned Kfir jets, which have been engaged in a series of successful missions to destroy several enemy targets. But Tiger terrorists were nowhere near their goal and were forced to flee after the airmen, who kept a hawk eye, fired back after the first bombing, which only destroyed a couple of buildings at the premier SLAF base.

The limited airpower of the LTTE was no secret. It was during the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) of former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that the LTTE went from strength to strength, fulfilling whatever their dreams through the so-called peace brokers. LTTE's breakaway leader Karuna Amman has clearly stated how Nordic countries helped the LTTE in various ways.

When the news of the LTTE airstrip and light aircraft came to light, a section of the international community, which has been extremely sympathetic towards the world's most deadly terrorist organisation, tried to placate things.

But to people even with a little knowledge, it is well-known how the LTTE smuggled huge containers to the Wanni under the 'diplomatic' tag granted under the CFA. Sophisticated communication equipment, transmitting towers and even luxury vehicles were smuggled under the guise of 'materials that are compulsory for peace'. Local NGO agents and 'peace merchants' emphasised that the LTTE terrorists need such high tech transmitting devices and equipment to remain in the peace process.

Nobody knows for certain the quantity of banned material that was conveniently smuggled to Mullaitivu and the Wanni jungles during the few rounds of peace talks the UNP held during the Wickremesinghe administration. Most of the material was given an all clear by the authorities as it was transported under 'diplomatic cover'.

Now the very same people who governed this country during that era question about the LTTE's airpower and are trying to undermine the achievements of our brave security forces personnel. Who turned a blind eye when the terrorists smuggled light aircraft parts from time to time? Who made statements to justify the acts of the LTTE and create an atmosphere that would pose a risk to our air superiority?

On the other hand, one would well ask whether these air attacks are a clause in the so-called pre-Presidential election pact between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the LTTE, as alleged by sacked Ministers Sripathi Sooriyarachchi and Mangala Samaraweera.

President Rajapaksa has made it unequivocally clear that he would not bargain with national security and Sri Lanka's sovereignty. While stressing his commitment for a negotiated settlement to the conflict with LTTE terrorists, President Rajapaksa has vowed to combat terrorism.

Be it in New York, London, Colombo or any other world city, terrorism is terrorism. Can there be two types of answers to combat terrorism? Definitely not! The treatment to terrorism should be the same, irrespective of the continent and colour.

This is not the time to make an issue of our political and social differences. In the name of our Motherland and on behalf of all those who have made the supreme sacrifice to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this land, we should unite under one banner to combat terrorism.

As some international media organisations and 'peace merchants' are trying to project - that is not an exercise even to hurt the feelings of our Tamil brethren, with whom the Sinhalese and Muslims have lived in harmony for centuries. It is only a battle against a group of terrorists who have taken up arms against a legitimate government who protects the rights of all ethnic groups alike.

We must understand this simple fact and join hands so that the government would be even stronger in its endeavour to wipe out terrorism. At this decisive hour, we must sink party affiliations and support the nation's drive against terrorism. It's not a matter of supporting President Rajapaksa or the UPFA government but a time when the country yearns for our unity and strength.