Since Mumbai terror

This week the Lok Sabha or the Indian Legislature passed unanimously a resolution condemning the dastardly terror attack on Mumbai, which caused the death of 200 persons and injured several hundred more. There was a rare display of unity across the political divide and equally firm resolve to combat this menace of terrorism.

This is a lesson for our legislators too. The Indian legislators have risen to the occasion and left aside petty political squabbling for the good of the country. How much we wish our legislators to be similar.

Speaking on the debate in the Lok Sabha Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said, "There are no good terrorists and bad terrorists." Yes, terrorism everywhere is the same. Nothing could justify the killing of innocent civilians and the wanton destruction of property including national assets. This is a position that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has reiterated at many international fora. We hope that the Mumbai attacks have quite forcibly driven this truth into the minds of statesmen worldwide.

At this time of national tragedy Sri Lanka stands by its Northern and closest neighbour India and share its grief. Terrorism is not an unknown phenomenon to us as we have been at the receiving end of its deadly blows for three decades. We know by experience the pains, sufferings and tribulations of the people at the mercy of terrorism. Hence we empathise with our brethren across the seas. That is why we do not agree with those who pointing a finger at our neighbour in the spirit of "we told you so and damn good for what you have done to us in the past.'

Nor do we approve the efforts of those who try to fish in troubled waters and promote an escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. Such an escalation of hostilities would be definitely to the detriment of the welfare of both of them. Nay, more. It would destabilise the entire South Asian region.

Actually the Mumbai attack has not only halted the good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan that were speedily improving due to intrusion of external powers deep into Pakistan undermining its sovereignty. It has also completely reversed the process.

Fortunately for South Asia Indian leaders have been able to dampen the sound of war drums and prevent the public from being infected with the virus of war hysteria.

In his address to the Lok Sabha Dr. Manmohan Singh also invoked the assistance of the international community to deal sternly and effectively with the epicentre of terrorism in the region for the good of the world community. In this respect the firm resolve displayed by the South Asian leaders at the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo in August 2008 should be translated into action immediately.

We must utilize the new opportunities that have arisen since Mumbai attacks to develop Indo-Sri Lankan cooperation in the struggle against our own terrorists. Several steps taken by New Delhi show that it is fully conscious of this need. For example, despite mass agitation and tremendous pressure exerted by LTTE supporters in Tamil Nadu, including ruling party legislators, the Indian Government has consistently and firmly refused to intervene. It has not given an audience to the TNA delegation that is knocking at the door of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. As reported yesterday in the media, TNA parliamentarian M. K. Sivajilingam has been served with a "Quit India" order and he will be deported if he does not comply.

In this situation it is both foolish and undiplomatic to whip up anti-Indian hysteria by recalling past sins or responding to the antics of a few opportunist and loud mouthed politicians from Tamil Nadu.

A comforting factor in this volatile situation is the pragmatic and diplomatic policy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to keep India informed of developments in the country, especially those in the Vanni battlefront so that no misunderstandings could arise between our two countries. The exchange of high level delegations between the two countries should be viewed in this light and not speculated upon as the Opposition and certain media do.

Restructurization

Now comes the news about restructuring political parties. Often restructurization of political parties results in splits and divisions rather than cohesion and unity.

The latest episode in this restructurization drama is the return of former Minister Karu Jayasuriya to his elephantine home. His logic seems somewhat awkward.

He came into the Government and left it for the same objective - to strengthen President's hand. Strange indeed! How could one strengthen President's hand by joining his arch rival - the Leader of the Opposition?

He has another excuse. He says that the UNP is now a restructured party. There has been, however, no such visible restructurization.

The effect of the restructurization was seen during the last PC polls, with the UNP suffering a humiliating defeat. Perhaps Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, the affable personality he is, would have to restructure himself to fit into the Grand Old Party that he returned to.