I feel compelled to write once more about the situation in the north of Sri Lanka, which has become something of a human abattoir in the past few weeks.
In my previous article about this once beautiful country, I highlighted the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and a group of renegades who took up arms to fight for secession as a means to protecting their people.
The war between the Sri Lanka Army and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) – a guerrilla force better known as the Tamil Tigers – seems to be nearing its end. The government troops, with strength in numbers on their side, have pinned down the rebels in an area of just 4.5km squared in the south of Rektavaikkal, in the district of Mullaittivu.
However, the bloody fighting continues, and many atrocities are being committed by both sides. The army has wiped out hundreds of innocent Tamils in their desperate attempt to eliminate what they termed as rebel ‘terrorism’. Meanwhile, the Tigers have continued to devise new survival strategies as their days appear numbered.
When two great tribes are at each other’s necks and ready to kill, it is only a stronger measure than both that can quell the flame of death. The United Nations was created specifically because of this kind of trouble. But unfortunately, it looks as if the UN is being selective when it comes to intervention in this conflict.
I must ask, what is the role of the UN and its security council if not to step into troubled waters like those in Sri Lanka? We have witnessed the shocking evidence of brutality against the people of Tamil Eelan, by the orders of a political family running the show from their seat of power in Colombo. President Mahinder Rajapaksa and his three hawkish brothers have ignored all entreaties towards a political solution to the rebels’ struggle. Moreover, the UN and journalists have been barred from entering rebel-controlled areas to ascertain developments. Despite calls for a ceasefire from all corners, the Rajapaksas have steadfastly refused.
The latest reports from the Tigers’ territory reveals the anguish of their experience. Civilians and even aid volunteers are dying – from starvation, the absence of basic medicine like antibiotics, and heavy artillery shelling from the Sri Lankan army. Children are dying of malnutrition as their president and his Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa adopt their siege-like policy to break the resilience of the Tamil Tigers’ supporters.
Beyond the island, conflict has driven countless Tamils into the wider world to seek refuge. These Tamils in the diaspora and their offspring are ever passionate about their homeland – and also to a great extent the rebel leaders, who represent their interests with the barrel of the gun. In the struggle for self-rule, these people have gone too far down the road of violence.
In light of this situation, how can any long-lasting peace or unity come of this?
The Sri Lankan problem demands a political solution, not a military one as its president thinks. At this time, when the LTTE is down, the government could work to strike a good deal for the sake of its dying Tamil citizens in the north. The UN must also act fast to stop the carnage in Mullaitivu.
In the process of resolving this conflict, the economic interests of countries like China, Pakistan, India and Iran must be put aside. Saving the poor Tamil civilians in the north of the country is far more important.
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria. Visit his website at www.olumouka.com
