SRIKANTHA MP's INTERVIEW TO ASIA TRIBUNE
Sun, 2009-03-01 13:01
See the link below for full version of the interview
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/15828
TNA fails to come up with rescue plans to save innocent Tamils other than insisting on a ceasefire to safeguard the LTTE
By K.T.Rajasingham
Colombo, 01 March, (Asiantribune.com): The Tamil National Alliance has failed to come N.Srikantha M.P: "Well what actions we can take rather than appealing to the conscience of the international community, which by large remains a silent spectator?." up with any solutions to solve the human tragedy of saving the innocent Tamil civilians trapped in the conflict zone, who are allegedly held as human shield by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
The TNA is hell-bent on finding ways to rescue the LTTE from being ejected from the country, by urging for a ceasefire rather than coming up with a rescue plan to safeguard the Tamil civilians from the clutches of the Tamil armed group.
After the Independent of Sri Lanka in 1948, the Tamil Political parties which represented the Tamils of the North and East of the country have failed to win the equal rights of the Tamils. In 1977 the Tamil armed groups took over forcefully from the political parties by threat and intimidations and subsequently LTTE banned other groups and waged an armed conflict up to 2007, propagating a separate mono-ethnic state agenda. Many thousands died and no solution was on sight and armed struggle was a colossal failure.
Presently, while the final battle is now being fought in Puthukkudiyiruppu, a Vanni heartland and in the Mullaitivu coasts, more than 70, 000 Tamil civilians are held hostages, in other words as human shield by the LTTE. Efforts are made to rescue them from the clutches of the LTTE .
International Community has repeatedly urged the LTTE to allow the innocent Tamils to go for safe areas.
In the meantime Asian Tribune contacted N.Sri kantha, a TNA Member of Parliament from the Jaffna Electoral district regarding TNA’s position and of its rescue plan on the ongoing human tragedy.
In the interview, Srikantha obstinately parroted that 'Sri Lanka Government should declare ceasefire and then the balance will be worked out'. He argued in an interview with the Asian Tribune that earlier the successive Sri Lanka Governments did not insist on the LTTE laying down of arms, then why the present government insists on such preposterous conditions?
When asked what action TNA has taken to rescue the innocent Tamil civilians trapped in the conflict zone, Srikantha said, "Well what actions we can take rather than appealing to the conscience of the international community, which by large remains a silent spectator."
Given below the text the interview with N.Srikantha MP:
Asian Tribune: We wish to know the latest about the conflict in Sri Lanka?
N. Srikantha MP: Precisely?
Asian Tribune: Precisely about the present position?
N. Srikantha MP: The conflict is going on.
Asian Tribune: The TNA’s position regarding this?
N. Srikantha MP: I think it is quiet known. The TNA has made it clear that there cannot be a military solution to the ethnic conflict.
Asian Tribune: At present Government says that there are about 70,000 people trapped in the conflict zone, even India endorses this figure but others say that there are nearly 200,000 civilians trapped over there? Your stance on these versions?
N. Srikantha MP: The numbers are being suppressed. We have told very categorically time and again, even in the recent weeks we said that there are more than 350,000 civilians pressed between the contending combatants in the war front.
Asian Tribune: What action you have taken to rescue them?
N. Srikantha MP: Well what actions we can take rather than appealing to the conscience of the international community, which by large remains a silent spectator.
Asian Tribune: You mean the international community?
N. Srikantha MP: The international community should intervene as there is a humanitarian crisis, virtually amounts to a genocide. Day in day out, innocent civilians are killed, injured and maimed.
Asian Tribune: As you are practicing lawyer of some repute, I wanted to know your definition of the word "Genocide," which you used just now?
N. Srikantha MP: Well you know what one meant by genocide? There is a systematic attack on a defenseless community, by the Government committed to a racist agenda and in consequence of which members of the community continues to die in large numbers and it amounts genocide.
Asian Tribune: That is your definition? A wishy- washy one?
N. Srikantha MP: I think that is the definition, one can … anybody with some proper sense would give at any given time, from any part of the world.
Asian Tribune: OK, we will take it as your version, which you just gave. Have you appealed to the Sri Lankan Government regarding the plight of the innocent civilians trapped in the war zone?
N. Srikantha MP: No, we have told the Government on the floor of the House, both in and out of Parliament during the last several months. We are repeatedly stating this. 'Please stop it,innocent civilians are getting killed.' Government has not been listening. It is hell-bent on a military agenda. That is our grievance. The Government fighting the LTTE is one thing, but a constitutionally elected Government has no business, has no power what so ever to punish the civilians who are no party to the conflict.
Asian Tribune: OK that is your stance on this subject? I wish to know whether there was any attempt by the TNA MPs to meet the Sri Lankan President and discuss these issues with him.
N. Srikantha MP: First there should be a ceasefire and the rest can be worked out. We have told that very categorically at our conference on the 17th of this month. Come up with the ceasefire first and then the other things can be worked out.
Asian Tribune: The Conference means you mean is the press conference you all had at the parliamentary complex and held by R.Sampamthan?
N. Srikantha MP: Yes along with Sampan there were more than 13 or 14 of the TNA MPs were also there. Tamils in Vanni being killed in the SLAF`s indiscriminate artillery barrage and bombings
Asian Tribune: Have you appealed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to release the civilians trapped in the war zone to go to safe areas?
N. Srikantha MP: This silly question is being asked by number of people. Please understand that there is no question of anybody appealing to anybody to leave the civilians like that. There is a war going on and both sides are attacking each other.
Asian Tribune: You just now said that you have made a request or an appeal or whatever it may be, to the Government to stop the war. So automatically anyone will ask whether you have asked the LTTE also. It is a natural question and there is no need for you to be emotional?
N. Srikantha MP: We asked the Government to have a ceasefire.
Asian Tribune: Ok you asked for ceasefire? Ceasefire for what purpose?
N. Srikantha MP: You should know it better?
Asian Tribune: That is why we asked you, to know your stance better?
N. Srikantha MP: How can you think of any constructive efforts to solve this problem peacefully without any ceasefire in place?
Asian Tribune: We categorically asked you whether you have requested or appealed to the LTTE to allow the civilians to go for safer places?
N. Srikantha MP: You know this does not arise, because the LTTE has repeatedly stated that it was ready for a ceasefire.
It is the Governmnet… I am not holding the brief for the LTTE; I have certain reservations in regard to the LTTE. It is the Government that is insisting on certain conditions to be fulfilled before the ceasefire. But LTTE is ready for an unconditional ceasefire. All these times when successive Governments of Sri Lanka talked, since 1984, no since 1985 talked to the LTTE and also at the point of time with the other militant organizations and with the TULF and there was no demand for ceasefire. Even in the recent times when they were having talks there were no ceasefire concerns?
Asian Tribune: Do you mean to say that they should not ask for it now?
N. Srikantha MP: Please listen to me. There was no insistence on LTTE to agree on certain conditions. All those previous talks were held unconditionally.
Asian Tribune: That was earlier?
N. Srikantha MP: Even thereafter. Even during President Premadasa’ regime. Then followed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s regime. Then of course there was a ceasefire which came into place. That was put in place. Now for a ceasefire, the Government is laying down conditions. That is the problem we have.
Asian Tribune: As you said that this Government is an elected Government and they are now better placed than the previous governments to demand for a laying down of the arms. Even Indian Government has categorically said in the floor of the Indian Parliament that LTTE must lay down the arms and then go in for talks? Even on the other day at Thoothukudi located in Tamil Nadu, Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee has clearly urged Sri Lanka to "cease hostilities" immediately and help to evacuate 70,000 of people caught in a civil war with the Tamil Tigers. This appeal does not constitute India as urging for Ceasefire, but only for a pause in hostility?
N. Srikantha MP: I am not here to argue, I am only telling my position.
Asian Tribune: That is what Asian Tribune is reiterating. As you are all supposed to be representing these very Tamils trapped in the conflict zone, the world wanted to know TNA’s position on these issues that is why we just brought to your notice? But you are simply harping on the usual allegations and blame games?
N. Srikantha MP: World knows very well the TNA’s position, now I have made it clear that "Talks" has to be unconditional. There should be a ceasefire prelude to meaningful talks between these two parties. This problem can’t go on like this. Our people are being made scapegoat.
The TNA is quiet clear that there should be a ceasefire and that is the need of the hour. Without ceasefire, there can’t be any conciliatory effect in solving this problem politically.
Therefore, the Government should agree to a ceasefire without any condition. That applies to the LTTE also.
Asian Tribune: OK, in case Government does not agree for a ceasefire without LTTE laying downs the arms, then what next?
N. Srikantha MP: Then it is left to the international community to intervene.
Asian Tribune: The international Community? Yesterday (27 February) at the UN Security Council meeting, it was clearly told that the conflict in Sri Lanka is an internal problem and they are not going to interfere?
N. Srikantha MP: We think that is not the final word? Do you think that is the final and conclusive?
Asian Tribune: We are waiting to hear from the Members of Parliament representing the Tamils their final word on this issue. Human misery should not be a case for or a subject for arguments. In conclusion we have to say that you have not answered many of our questions. Anyway thank you for your responses.
- Asian Tribune -
Sun, 2009-03-01 13:01
See the link below for full version of the interview
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/15828
TNA fails to come up with rescue plans to save innocent Tamils other than insisting on a ceasefire to safeguard the LTTE
By K.T.Rajasingham
Colombo, 01 March, (Asiantribune.com): The Tamil National Alliance has failed to come N.Srikantha M.P: "Well what actions we can take rather than appealing to the conscience of the international community, which by large remains a silent spectator?." up with any solutions to solve the human tragedy of saving the innocent Tamil civilians trapped in the conflict zone, who are allegedly held as human shield by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
The TNA is hell-bent on finding ways to rescue the LTTE from being ejected from the country, by urging for a ceasefire rather than coming up with a rescue plan to safeguard the Tamil civilians from the clutches of the Tamil armed group.
After the Independent of Sri Lanka in 1948, the Tamil Political parties which represented the Tamils of the North and East of the country have failed to win the equal rights of the Tamils. In 1977 the Tamil armed groups took over forcefully from the political parties by threat and intimidations and subsequently LTTE banned other groups and waged an armed conflict up to 2007, propagating a separate mono-ethnic state agenda. Many thousands died and no solution was on sight and armed struggle was a colossal failure.
Presently, while the final battle is now being fought in Puthukkudiyiruppu, a Vanni heartland and in the Mullaitivu coasts, more than 70, 000 Tamil civilians are held hostages, in other words as human shield by the LTTE. Efforts are made to rescue them from the clutches of the LTTE .
International Community has repeatedly urged the LTTE to allow the innocent Tamils to go for safe areas.
In the meantime Asian Tribune contacted N.Sri kantha, a TNA Member of Parliament from the Jaffna Electoral district regarding TNA’s position and of its rescue plan on the ongoing human tragedy.
In the interview, Srikantha obstinately parroted that 'Sri Lanka Government should declare ceasefire and then the balance will be worked out'. He argued in an interview with the Asian Tribune that earlier the successive Sri Lanka Governments did not insist on the LTTE laying down of arms, then why the present government insists on such preposterous conditions?
When asked what action TNA has taken to rescue the innocent Tamil civilians trapped in the conflict zone, Srikantha said, "Well what actions we can take rather than appealing to the conscience of the international community, which by large remains a silent spectator."
Given below the text the interview with N.Srikantha MP:
Asian Tribune: We wish to know the latest about the conflict in Sri Lanka?
N. Srikantha MP: Precisely?
Asian Tribune: Precisely about the present position?
N. Srikantha MP: The conflict is going on.
Asian Tribune: The TNA’s position regarding this?
N. Srikantha MP: I think it is quiet known. The TNA has made it clear that there cannot be a military solution to the ethnic conflict.
Asian Tribune: At present Government says that there are about 70,000 people trapped in the conflict zone, even India endorses this figure but others say that there are nearly 200,000 civilians trapped over there? Your stance on these versions?
N. Srikantha MP: The numbers are being suppressed. We have told very categorically time and again, even in the recent weeks we said that there are more than 350,000 civilians pressed between the contending combatants in the war front.
Asian Tribune: What action you have taken to rescue them?
N. Srikantha MP: Well what actions we can take rather than appealing to the conscience of the international community, which by large remains a silent spectator.
Asian Tribune: You mean the international community?
N. Srikantha MP: The international community should intervene as there is a humanitarian crisis, virtually amounts to a genocide. Day in day out, innocent civilians are killed, injured and maimed.
Asian Tribune: As you are practicing lawyer of some repute, I wanted to know your definition of the word "Genocide," which you used just now?
N. Srikantha MP: Well you know what one meant by genocide? There is a systematic attack on a defenseless community, by the Government committed to a racist agenda and in consequence of which members of the community continues to die in large numbers and it amounts genocide.
Asian Tribune: That is your definition? A wishy- washy one?
N. Srikantha MP: I think that is the definition, one can … anybody with some proper sense would give at any given time, from any part of the world.
Asian Tribune: OK, we will take it as your version, which you just gave. Have you appealed to the Sri Lankan Government regarding the plight of the innocent civilians trapped in the war zone?
N. Srikantha MP: No, we have told the Government on the floor of the House, both in and out of Parliament during the last several months. We are repeatedly stating this. 'Please stop it,innocent civilians are getting killed.' Government has not been listening. It is hell-bent on a military agenda. That is our grievance. The Government fighting the LTTE is one thing, but a constitutionally elected Government has no business, has no power what so ever to punish the civilians who are no party to the conflict.
Asian Tribune: OK that is your stance on this subject? I wish to know whether there was any attempt by the TNA MPs to meet the Sri Lankan President and discuss these issues with him.
N. Srikantha MP: First there should be a ceasefire and the rest can be worked out. We have told that very categorically at our conference on the 17th of this month. Come up with the ceasefire first and then the other things can be worked out.
Asian Tribune: The Conference means you mean is the press conference you all had at the parliamentary complex and held by R.Sampamthan?
N. Srikantha MP: Yes along with Sampan there were more than 13 or 14 of the TNA MPs were also there. Tamils in Vanni being killed in the SLAF`s indiscriminate artillery barrage and bombings
Asian Tribune: Have you appealed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to release the civilians trapped in the war zone to go to safe areas?
N. Srikantha MP: This silly question is being asked by number of people. Please understand that there is no question of anybody appealing to anybody to leave the civilians like that. There is a war going on and both sides are attacking each other.
Asian Tribune: You just now said that you have made a request or an appeal or whatever it may be, to the Government to stop the war. So automatically anyone will ask whether you have asked the LTTE also. It is a natural question and there is no need for you to be emotional?
N. Srikantha MP: We asked the Government to have a ceasefire.
Asian Tribune: Ok you asked for ceasefire? Ceasefire for what purpose?
N. Srikantha MP: You should know it better?
Asian Tribune: That is why we asked you, to know your stance better?
N. Srikantha MP: How can you think of any constructive efforts to solve this problem peacefully without any ceasefire in place?
Asian Tribune: We categorically asked you whether you have requested or appealed to the LTTE to allow the civilians to go for safer places?
N. Srikantha MP: You know this does not arise, because the LTTE has repeatedly stated that it was ready for a ceasefire.
It is the Governmnet… I am not holding the brief for the LTTE; I have certain reservations in regard to the LTTE. It is the Government that is insisting on certain conditions to be fulfilled before the ceasefire. But LTTE is ready for an unconditional ceasefire. All these times when successive Governments of Sri Lanka talked, since 1984, no since 1985 talked to the LTTE and also at the point of time with the other militant organizations and with the TULF and there was no demand for ceasefire. Even in the recent times when they were having talks there were no ceasefire concerns?
Asian Tribune: Do you mean to say that they should not ask for it now?
N. Srikantha MP: Please listen to me. There was no insistence on LTTE to agree on certain conditions. All those previous talks were held unconditionally.
Asian Tribune: That was earlier?
N. Srikantha MP: Even thereafter. Even during President Premadasa’ regime. Then followed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s regime. Then of course there was a ceasefire which came into place. That was put in place. Now for a ceasefire, the Government is laying down conditions. That is the problem we have.
Asian Tribune: As you said that this Government is an elected Government and they are now better placed than the previous governments to demand for a laying down of the arms. Even Indian Government has categorically said in the floor of the Indian Parliament that LTTE must lay down the arms and then go in for talks? Even on the other day at Thoothukudi located in Tamil Nadu, Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukerjee has clearly urged Sri Lanka to "cease hostilities" immediately and help to evacuate 70,000 of people caught in a civil war with the Tamil Tigers. This appeal does not constitute India as urging for Ceasefire, but only for a pause in hostility?
N. Srikantha MP: I am not here to argue, I am only telling my position.
Asian Tribune: That is what Asian Tribune is reiterating. As you are all supposed to be representing these very Tamils trapped in the conflict zone, the world wanted to know TNA’s position on these issues that is why we just brought to your notice? But you are simply harping on the usual allegations and blame games?
N. Srikantha MP: World knows very well the TNA’s position, now I have made it clear that "Talks" has to be unconditional. There should be a ceasefire prelude to meaningful talks between these two parties. This problem can’t go on like this. Our people are being made scapegoat.
The TNA is quiet clear that there should be a ceasefire and that is the need of the hour. Without ceasefire, there can’t be any conciliatory effect in solving this problem politically.
Therefore, the Government should agree to a ceasefire without any condition. That applies to the LTTE also.
Asian Tribune: OK, in case Government does not agree for a ceasefire without LTTE laying downs the arms, then what next?
N. Srikantha MP: Then it is left to the international community to intervene.
Asian Tribune: The international Community? Yesterday (27 February) at the UN Security Council meeting, it was clearly told that the conflict in Sri Lanka is an internal problem and they are not going to interfere?
N. Srikantha MP: We think that is not the final word? Do you think that is the final and conclusive?
Asian Tribune: We are waiting to hear from the Members of Parliament representing the Tamils their final word on this issue. Human misery should not be a case for or a subject for arguments. In conclusion we have to say that you have not answered many of our questions. Anyway thank you for your responses.
- Asian Tribune -
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