Beware of Tiger manipulations

LTTE terrorists who are in a desperate situation against the current Security Forces operations, have intensified their cruel and inhuman acts.

They are again targeting innocent civilians who use public transport.

The blood-thirsty terrorists are exploding bombs in buses and trains, killing innocent civilians, including women and children. Unfortunately, almost all human rights organisations, INGOs and local NGOs turn a deaf and blind eye to these atrocities.

There were no ‘sensationally-worded’ messages from the so-called ‘guardians’ of human rights. None of the so-called world ‘heavyweights’ condemn these barbaric acts of targeting innocent civilians. There were no big protest marches or picketing campaigns opposite the Fort Railway Station or at the Lipton Circus by our champions of human rights and the media watchdogs.

While the Tigers planted bombs in strategic places, there were numerous instances where many possible disasters were averted due to the heightened public vigilance. A number of bombs, claymore mines, explosive devices, pistols and suicide kits were recovered from several places in Colombo and the suburbs as a result of the current awareness program of the Defence Ministry.

Sri Lanka’s battle against terrorism has reached a crucial stage. There is no turning back as our gallant Security Forces are on the last lap of their victorious march. Unable to resist the advancing troops, the terrorists are resorting to civilian targets to create civil unrest or ethnic disturbances so that they could regain world attention.

If people fall prey, it would lead to unnecessary clashes such as in 1983 that would give the LTTE a distinct advantage through international sympathy. It is evident that the terrorists are trying to stir communal clashes by setting off bombs at public places to resurrect their organisation which is at the receiving end due to the global rejection of terrorism.

Hence, the public should exercise patience at all times and keep a sharp eye on any terrorist activity. If public vigilance is maintained at its highest level, there would be virtually no room for the LTTE to play with the lives of innocent civilians. Without putting the entire responsibility on the Government or the Security Forces, all loyal and patriotic citizens should be vigilant of suspected terrorist activities.

Though some opportunist politicians are trying to take undue advantage of the situation, the Government and the people are still paying for the sins of the 2001-2004 Ranil Wickremesinghe Government, which gave unlimited freedom to Velupillai Prabhakaran and his terror outfit through a controversial Ceasefire Agreement (CFA).

It’s no secret that the LTTE was strengthened - both politically and militarily, after the CFA was signed. The then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe turned a blind eye to the Tigers strengthening their position in many ways.

It was not an easy task to change the situation overnight. But thanks to the indefatigable efforts of the dynamic Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and his fearless men in the battle front, the Government has been able to change the situation drastically.

Having wiped out the Tiger power from the Eastern Province and re-established democracy, the Government is on a similar path for the North as well. Knowing that they are fast losing both the public support as well as ground superiority, the LTTE is all out to regain its lost prestige at any cost.

The LTTE is unable to penetrate the well-knit security cordon in the city easily. They cannot take high profile targets as they did earlier. Hence, they have no option but to take on soft targets in utter desperation.

The media has a big responsibility in a crucial situation like this. There is no denying the fact that the freedom of expression and the liberty of the media should be protected at all times, but the media, too has a role to play in this situation.

The media should be more circumspect and refrain from irresponsible reporting or disclosing sensitive issues in a manner which would be advantageous to the enemy. That was one of the reasons why President Mahinda Rajapaksa had to invite print media heads to Temple Trees on Friday to give them a gentle reminder - that the media too has a responsibility towards the nation in a war situation.

The President called upon the Chief Editors of the national newspapers and their owners to act in a responsible manner without providing vital information to the enemy. As a politician, he welcomed constructive criticism and called on the media to ‘play their role by the nation’ as responsible citizens.

Having failed in all their attempts to tarnish the Government’s image before the international community, the LTTE, through their ‘agents’, are now depending on human rights organisations and media watchdogs for their salvation. The media should not unwittingly fall into the LTTE trap and support terrorism even in an indirect manner.

Targeting the Defence Secretary and the Service Commanders is a part of this sinister move. Unfortunately, a few journalists, who often do ‘more walking’ than working, seem to be acting as ‘agents’. We are acutely aware that the INGO mafia is having a big hand in the entire operation.

It is deplorable that our Opposition Leader too has apparently become a part of the sinister campaign against the Defence Secretary. From Wickremesinghe’s point of view, it is understandable as he has to score every ‘ball’ after losing 17 elections under his leadership. The terrorists are exploiting our petty political differences.

The UNP must act as a responsible opposition and support the Government to eradicate terrorism. When that is achieved, the UNP and Wickremesinghe could play their ‘dirty politics’ and try their luck in ousting the President or the Government in a democratic manner. Let’s stand as one when Mother Lanka needs our unity the most!