The war between the LTTE and the Sri Lankan government is no longer a war against an insurgency movement.It has developed into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.Large number of civilians getting killed and wounded can not be acceptable to any civilised society. As a dispassionate observer, I am pained to see the plight of the innocent civilians,especially children,old people,and women caught in the cross fire between the warring factions.It is all the more distressing to note that democracy is in peril in Sri Lanka and voice of the press and media are stifled .Despite all this,what little information that comes out is really disturbing. The so called 'Welfare villages' where the fleeing civilians are accomodated does not seem to have any facilities.Looking at the pictures and video shown on TV/internet,one has no other go,but to believe that the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE are unleashing crimes against innocent civilians in the name of their 'war on terror ' and 'liberation struggle'.
Already the international press has described it as the worst humanatarian crisis in recent times.In fact the UN warned the world a month before that this war could end up as a genocide.Thousands have been killed and many more crippled for life.What is more deplorable is that Sri Lankan government has managed to stall public scrutiny to the happenings in the island nation,by brute force.The people in the ' welfare villages' do not get adequate medical attention and food.There is a lack of shelter and sanitation also.This is indeed a colossal calamity.Forget about an early resolution of the ethnic strife.Bu the innocent civilians can be saved only if the Lankan army and LTTE STOP their opeartions and ensure safety of their fellow citizens.It is really unfortunate that both LTTE and the army shoot at civilians when they try to leave the safe zone.It is a pity that both the LTTE and Lankan army violate the laws of war with impunity.It is reported that the LTTE is using civilians as a shield and the Lankan army does not discriminate bombarding between military targets and civilians.Also the Lankan army keep the displaced persons in camps with high restrictions on movements.Human rights workers are denied access to camps and intimidated by the Lankan army.International humanatarian agencies must be allowed to offer neutral assistance to those in need. Athorities should permit legitimate NGO activities at the welfare villages. All activities at the civilian camps should be transparent to the international media.
Already the international press has described it as the worst humanatarian crisis in recent times.In fact the UN warned the world a month before that this war could end up as a genocide.Thousands have been killed and many more crippled for life.What is more deplorable is that Sri Lankan government has managed to stall public scrutiny to the happenings in the island nation,by brute force.The people in the ' welfare villages' do not get adequate medical attention and food.There is a lack of shelter and sanitation also.This is indeed a colossal calamity.Forget about an early resolution of the ethnic strife.Bu the innocent civilians can be saved only if the Lankan army and LTTE STOP their opeartions and ensure safety of their fellow citizens.It is really unfortunate that both LTTE and the army shoot at civilians when they try to leave the safe zone.It is a pity that both the LTTE and Lankan army violate the laws of war with impunity.It is reported that the LTTE is using civilians as a shield and the Lankan army does not discriminate bombarding between military targets and civilians.Also the Lankan army keep the displaced persons in camps with high restrictions on movements.Human rights workers are denied access to camps and intimidated by the Lankan army.International humanatarian agencies must be allowed to offer neutral assistance to those in need. Athorities should permit legitimate NGO activities at the welfare villages. All activities at the civilian camps should be transparent to the international media.
I am not not going in to the merits of the insurgent struggle or the alleged racial discrimination by the majority Sinhalese government that sparked off the current struggle decades ago.A leader of the stature of Gandhi is the need of the hour for the strife torn Lanka.Some one who commands respect from both Sihalese and Tamils alike.For peace in Sri Lanka,an immediate requirement is cessation of the war.Thereafter LTTE should disarm and agree for a federal solution with sufficient devolution of powers and return to electoral democracy.The sinhalese majority should ensure equal opportunities to all races in education and employment.After all the sinhalese constitute more than 80% of the Lankan population.The minority Tamil population in no way can threaten their psition.Once the war is over,the SL government should come forward to rehabilitate the millions of displaced Tamil population.The world would like to see the beautiful emerald island return back to its glorious past with lasting peace among their major ethnic races. Until early 70s all communities have co existed peacefully in Lanka.There should be commitment and political will among the Sihalese political leadership to accede to the just demands of the Tamils.May peace and harmony return to Sri Lanka .
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