Terrorism Unlimited

by Clarence Welikala, Security Manager(Retired), Unilever Ceylon Limited

The recent events bring to bear the escalation of terrorism in Sri Lanka could veritably be depicted in speech or writing as "Terrorism Unlimited". This description could be quantified especially after the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam demonstrated its air capability recently in no uncertain terms.

Even now, there is no information ensuing from any intelligence source, be it local or foreign, that this terrorist organisation is in possession of either highly advanced fighter jets, which could be termed as "state of the art fighters", how/when had these aircraft been acquired, and the possibility of this group acquiring more sophisticated aircraft in the future.

The following is the third and final part of the article:

Guerilla warfare

This particular exercise is defined as fighting by groups of irregular troops (guerillas) within areas occupied by the enemy. When guerillas obey the laws of conventional warfare they are entitled, if captured, to be treated as ordinary prisoners of war. However, they are often executed by their captors.

The tactics of guerilla warfare stress deception and ambush, as opposed to mass confrontation, and succeed best in an irregular, rugged, terrain and with a sympathetic populace, whom guerillas often seek to win over by propaganda, reform and terrorism. Guerilla warfare has played a significant role in modern history.

Guerilla fighters gravitate toward weapons which are easily accessible, low in technology and low in cost. A typical arsenal of the modern guerilla would include the AK-47, RPGs and Improvised Explosive Devices. The guerilla doctrines' main disadvantage is the inability to access more advanced equipment due to economic, influence , and accessibility issues.

They must rely on small unit tactics involving hit and run as experienced in the recent air strikers by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam targeting locations in Colombo and the Sri Lanka Air Force Base at Katunayake. This situation leads to low intensity and asymmetrical warfare.

Information warfare

Information warfare is the kind of warfare where information and attacks on information and its systems are used as a tool of warfare. Some of this type of warfare are electronic "sniffers" which disrupt international fund-transfer networks as well as the signals of television and radio stations.

Naval warfare

Naval warfare takes place predominantly on the high seas. Modern navies primarily use aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, and destroyers for combat. This provides a versatile array of attacks, capable of hitting ground targets, air targets, or other seafaring vessels.

Psychological warfare

Psychological warfare is the planned used of propaganda and other psychological actions having the primary purpose of influencing the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavioural patterns of hostile foreign groups in such a way as to support the achievement of national objectives.

Conclusion

Food for thought

It will be favourable to state that the Indian Government has taken a serious view of the threat posed by the LTTE and have taken necessary measures to curb the LTTE activities in Tamil Nadu and to arrest those who act in favour of this terrorist organisation. Further, following the aerial threats of the LTTE in Sri Lanka, the Tamil Nadu coastal regions have been strengthened.

Security arrangements in many villages have been increased recently as those villages have been identified as vulnerable as far as the LTTE infiltration from Sri Lanka is concerned.

To this end, around 500 coastal guards with the support of the Indian Navy's air support have been deployed in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and in the high seas covering the Palk Straits. Fishermen of the Tamil Nadu coast have been warned of LTTE infiltration into the Indian territorial waters.

From the above it could be adduced that the LTTE is not only a terrorist organisation operating only within Sri Lanka, but internationally. It could be regarded as a world-wide criminal syndicate as their cadres are arrested and convicted all over the world for crimes related to drugs, arms trade, passport sale and credit card frauds.

It is gratifying to note that, as a sequel to the recent air strikes by the LTTE, the security of harbours and Naval installations around the island have been intensified to some extent. Apart from routine sea patrols, the Naval ships with anti aircraft guns and radars have been mobilised to look out for LTTE aircraft.

The stringent measures taken by India to prevent LTTEs infiltration into SriLankan waters and air space, with the increase of men and machinery of the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard has also helped in a big way to curtail LTTE's gun running between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka in a very big way, and is an eye opener for us.

The Government's efforts to revamp the Air Force with sophisticated and state-of-the-art aircraft should not be delayed as this is, no doubt, a positive means of wiping out terrorism which has raised its head in an unprecedented manner.

A change of heart attitude

My thinking embodied in the previous paragraphs will be inconclusive in its context and content should I fail to harp on the need for winning the hearts and minds of our people conscientiously.

Seizing control or dominating areas captured is, no doubt, an achievement designed and orchestrated by the security forces through their gallantry and with the blessings of the Government. But, overall, preserving and ensuring stability of the areas in question, by far, should be the 'theme' of the exercise.

The end result to the prevailing calamity is positively, PEACE - meaning, total freedom from or cessation of war coupled with friendly international relations. Why turn freedom into a facade?

The Sri Lankan population consist of a multi religious community. Religious leaders continuously preach at temples, kovils, churches, mosques, through the media etc., delivering their thoughts, ideologies and embarking on colour, caste and creed. Religious leaders have been motivated and challenged by years of ethnic friction and disaster, ravishing our nation to a very high degree.

Their journey is interspersed with many trials and tribulations, and this course of action paves the way for understanding and reconciliation among our populace. It is with a great amount of sacrifice, strength and unflinching courage that they instill and inculcate their believers with the hope of stability and peace during a time of volatility, war, and chaos.

After all, is not this the essence and core of moral re-armament?

The much needed missions seeking ardently a remote window of opportunity to bring about a state of calm or tranquillity which our nation yearns for. It is not only demonstrating their ability through spiritual leadership to influence people, but also their guidance, servitude and compassion that make the difference between War and Peace.

The exercise will continue to be a philosophical tradition through sheer dedication, service and tenacity on their part. Religion builds confidence. It is, indeed, a channel or a means to reach people from every race, "Change of heart" especially at this juncture, should be "Two-pronged", i.e. the incumbent government and the LTTE must jointly subscribe with a clear conscience towards this worthy effort by our religious leaders.

It is my firm belief that to achieve success, the Government and the LTTE should, therefore, indulge in sincere soul - searching, ascertain their stances credibly, suspend military activity in to, portray solidarity and collectively approach the Peace Process genuinely, cordially and without malice. Positive thinking and a change of heart is the only way to end global conflict and resolve domestic disputes.

It is simply a way of life, a philosophy aimed basically to change people through an inner searching of their minds. That change can help to change the rest of the world for better.