The Real History of Srilanka – Part 1
The Real History of Srilanka – Part 1Updates: This post has been featured in the History Carnival at Varnam.org & in Desi Pundit. Thanks, JK.
I promised to write a follow-up to my previous post. But the situation in Srilanka got my goat, so I’m taking a detour this week.
If you are not hiding under a rock, you would be grimacing at the goings-on in Srilanka – and the attendant clown acts in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with politicians and movie actors falling over each other in their zeal to support the LTTE. If all they wanted to do was to solve the humanitarian crisis in Srilanka, hats off to them. But, that’s not their goal. Most of them want a separate Eelam for Tamils.
Holy Canoli, I thought. If Pakistani actors staged a hunger strike for the cause of Kashmir – How would that make us feel? We may choose to carve out a piece of Kashmir & throw it out for the separatist dogs, but that’s our decision & nobody else’s. We may grin & bear mediation efforts from United Nations or from neutral countries like Norway. But, we would not tolerate random foreigners poking their ugly noses in our internal affairs.
So, what makes these politicos & film actors think they can dictate terms to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Srilanka, a sovereign nation? I hope that discerning people all over India are able to see beyond the race card.
The timing of these hunger strikes is what is galling to me. Srilanka is a nose-hair away from squashing LTTE, a terror organization. LTTE cadres are holed up like rats in the dense jungles of Wanni – where the tropical canopy limits visibility for air-raids by the Lankan Airforce. Many ethnic Tamils are held against their will in Kilinochi by the LTTE, so that they can act as a human shield when the Srilankan forces break the barriers. LTTE, the protectors of Tamils? They don’t give a rat’s ass to Tamils. All they want is a separate Eelam to rule.
LTTE = Face of Srilankan Tamils?
First of all – Who made LTTE the sole torch-bearers of Srilankan Tamils? Moderate parties like TULF (currently led by Ananda Sangaree) want an autonomous Tamil state, but they don’t believe in an armed struggle. TELO and EPRLF (parts of which have now merged with LTTE) are the other groups that focus on guerrilla warfare or militancy.
LTTE does not bear rivals kindly. Their snipers brutally assassinated TULF leader Appapillai Amirthalingam, who wanted a negotiated settlement instead of a civil war. The cold-blooded murder of respected academic, TULF leader & peacemaker Neelan Thiruchelvan is sadder still. He was working on a relief package with the then Srilankan President Ms Kumaratunga when he was assassinated by LTTE.
As for TELO & EPRLF – LTTE hit-men killed TELO leader Sri Sabarathinam in 1986, over a squabble. EPRLF leader Padmanabha and his deputies were killed in a gruesome manner, in broad daylight in Chennai by LTTE in 1990 – because his party contested in the Srilankan general elections for the North Eastern province. LTTE has admitted that it doesn’t believe in democracy. It never will. Anarchy & Oppression are their Gods.
LTTE & Friends
You are judged by the friends you keep. LTTE has close ties with ULFA, a much-feared and banned terror outfit in Assam, that targets Hindi-speaking Indians from Bihar. Mass graves have been discovered in old ULFA camp sites. They don’t mind killing children if that will get their voices “heard”. Such lovely people are friends with LTTE. Hell, LTTE organizes training camps for ULFA. What’s a little cooperation between friends?
The above news nugget is credited to the Director General of Police from Tripura (an Indian state). The DGP of Tripura – Not an Average Joe from the streets, who may have an ax to grind against LTTE’s “Tamil Cause”. It gets even better. LTTE & ULFA supply arms to Naxalites/Maoists, who have consolidated their presence in 22 Indian states.
Who are these Srilankan Tamils?
Human beings have lived in Srilanka for 34,000 years. Condensing the rich history of such an ancient land is fraught with the dangers of over-simplification, so I’ll tread cautiously. There are 2 kinds of Tamils in Sri Lanka – The Jaffna (Yazhpanam) Tamils & the Indian Tamils.
Tamils moved to Srilanka in one of the numerous, tiresome battles waged between the Cholas/Pandyas & Sinhalas. The very 1st recorded battle was in 205 BC between the Pandya (Chola in some sources) king Elara & the Sinhala king Dutta Gamanu, where he soundly whupped the Tamil king’s ass. In the course of the next 14 or 15 centuries, dame fortune sometimes favored the Tamil kings & sometimes the Sinhala Kings. From the 7th Century AD onwards, the Sinhalas got a dance partner – Persian Pallavas that ruled South India gleefully extended their support to Srilanka. Till the reign of Raja Raja Chola & his son Rajendra Chola in the 10th century AD, that is. Fearsome warriors, they kicked the butt of everybody in South East Asia, colonized any territory that they clapped their eyes on.
For the most part, the Tamils that moved to the Jaffna peninsula during these battles are the Srilankan Tamils.
Srilanka, like India, was under the British rule. In their inimitable style, the British usurped the lands of the peasants in Kandy and planted coffee, tea & rubber. To work these fields, they imported indentured laborers from South India. These laborers were amongst the poorest of the poor. Their working & living conditions in Kandy were squalid & unbearable. These are the Indian Tamils.
The uppity Srilankan Tamils showed their disdain for the “inferior” Indian Tamils openly. Historically, the 2 groups did not mix with each other. The Black July riots in 1983 changed everything, of course. Because the rioting Sinhala mobs didn’t care if someone was a Srilankan or an Indian Tamil.
Divisive Politics of G.G.Ponnambalam
Much of what we know about the early history of Srilanka is from the Pali chronicle “Mahavamsa”, created by the Buddhist monk Nagasena in the 5th century AD. It narrates the history of Lanka from the 6th century BC. This early part of the epic, which starts before the reign of King Ashoka, is difficult to substantiate. So, we can make an educated guess that at least a part of it is legend. Needless to say, Srilankans revere the “Mahavamsa” & are understandably proud of it.
In the 1930s, the leader of the Srilankan Tamils was G.G.Ponnambalam. The very 1st communal riots between Sinhalas & Tamils happened in Navalapitiya in 1939, thanks to his ceaseless efforts: He rejected his Srilankan identity & called himself a proud Dravidian. He then proceeded to attack the “Mahavamsa”. Imagine what Indians would do if some jackass heckled the “Ramayana” or the “Mahabharata”.
Srilanka became independent in 1948. As a fallout of the “Ceylon Citizenship Act” of 1948, the Indian Tamils were disenfranchised. Which means, all of them were stripped off their Srilankan citizenship & they had nowhere to go. Venerable Srilankan Tamil leaders like Chelvanayagam & Thondaman expressed their shock & fought to get this act repealed. So, the “Indian and Pakistani Residents Act” of 1949 came about as an addendum. Accordingly, about 40% of the Indian Tamils got their Srilankan citizenship back. The rest were repatriated to India – packed off to Jawaharlal Nehru, to be precise.
The charming G.G.Ponnambalam voted to pass this act. It is interesting to see the Srilankan Tamils do back-flips to find excuses for this egregious & embarrassing behavior. Truth be told, many of the Srilankan Tamils disliked the Indian Tamils, thought of them as “mobs” & did not want them to get voting rights. They were not sorry to see them go.
Why would I help the Srilankan Tamils, when they behaved abominably towards the Indian plantation workers? Oh, I see – now that they need India, they want us to forget the past.
Summing Up
What President Rajapakse cannot afford to do now is stop. In this last-ditch fight between the Lion (Srilanka, with its “Lion Flag”) & the Tiger (LTTE), I’m rooting for the Lion. That doesn’t mean I’m insensitive to the plight of the innocent civilians caught in the Wanni forest. Neither am I denying the atrocities committed by the Sinhala majority on the Tamil minority.
In our zeal to upbraid the Sinhalas, none of us should forget how rotten & human excrement-like LTTE is. After all, they killed Rajiv Gandhi, an Indian leader in Indian soil. Imagine what they must be doing to Srilanka. I’ll NEVER forgive LTTE & neither should you. I’m a Tamil. If opposing LTTE makes me a traitor to the Tamil cause, so be it. I simply will not condone terrorism. That will make me a traitor to the human cause.
Since the truth will help us take an informed stance, I’ll publish some more unvarnished nuggets in my next post.
The history of Srilanka is very good Priya. Was not aware of the divisions in the Tamil ethnicity in Srilanka before 1984 incident. While not supporting LTTE, they should have really joined mainstream after making a point though violence. Instead they pushed it hard and now are causing this genocide. I am really sorry for the people suffering, as someone who know some Srilankan refugees personally. They are forced to leave their motherland, forget their culture and live in camps in a foreign countries.
I agree with you. Tamil Nadu politicians utilizing Sri Lankan Tamil conflict for voting. I wonder why Grandpa going crazy whenever Tamil Nadu about to face election. His daughter said before submitting resignation letter “we do care about Sri Lankan Tamils, only high society English speaking people in Tamil Nadu don’t care about them”. I don’t know who is high society and English speaking people in Tamil Nadu other than filthy rich young kalazham generation. Any ways, after some time, Grandpa decided to reverse the resignation drama, but I didn’t read any news about Sri Lankan Tamil issue was resolved. It is funny that, they don’t care Tamil people in Rameswaram but do care lot about Sri Lankan Tamils. One of his cousin, but now foe was very emotional all the time, he was not changed even after amma’s strict POTA treatment.
I didn’t know about Sinhala vs Tamil fight before 1983, have to read about that. But I think 1983 fight was bloody one, but not significance enough to start armed civil war. I believe Sri Lankan Tamil missed a point that they have to assimilate with Sri Lankan culture or they don’t know how to live like a roman at Rome, and most of the Indian Tamil were huge success with business but not contributing enough to locals. My heart always with whoever suffering because of conflicts, and especially I have more sympathy to Sri Lankan people, may be geographical proximity.
There are several conflicts between majority Vs minority at that time around the world, in fact still now. Most of them resolved by human right’s diplomacy but who ever went with extremist way are still fighting or are in jail or dead or going to die. In this world nothing can be resolved by wars. All wars turn into sour experience, but I wonder why we are again and again going with war option. What if MLK decided to go with extreme way to fight against majority, can we witness a historical event last Tuesday? I don’t think so. Majority tried to crash them sooner than later if minority took armed path. First majority try to show arrogance and use force against minority but not for long time. If minority showed resistance in a peace way with will power, courage and ultra confidence, majority have to surrender and have to show them the path for growth. Who is great showing gun to get something or showing chest against gun to get something with will power and courage? I think former is just a robbery and coward.
Why we are not taking simple logic to follow lGandhi’s success, MLK’s and many more. I was still thinking a lot why we are always taking wrong option and losing human life and making everybody’s life at risk.
Bold write Priya. Congrats & thanks for enlightening us. I never knew about this part of History. Never studied about it in my school days nor does the mainstream media make a good attempt at reporting about it.
In a civilized society, no amount of injustice is good enough cause in resorting to violence against fellow human beings. So in that respect, what LTTE does is not acceptable at all.
But the question to be asked is that do all state sponsored law enforcing agents have the right to outrightly use violence to curb such activities. Isn’t it a state’s responsbility to show maximum restraint and think about the option that causes the least amount of civilian casualities.
I do understand that Sri Lanka had tried that quite a long period of time, but that doesn’t mean that they give up on it and go out for a once and for all methodology. It might just bring in fresh scars that might trigger another set of issues at a later date, we n’eve know.
Vamsi – Thanks for your comment.
Violence never seems to be the answer. It only angers the majority & the repulses the international community.
The Srilankan Tamils that live in other countries are the fortunate ones. I shudder to think of the people trapped in the battle zone. What kind of life is it, without hope, filled with dread for what the next second might bring?
Subba – Thanks for your comment.
Yes, Kanimozhi’s comment that “The English speaking elite don’t care about the plight of the Srilankan Tamils” is laughable. What is she, then? A poor peasant? You should see this “poor peasant”‘s house in Chennai! Worth at least USD $3 Million. DMK has totally lost touch with the aspirations of people. Nobody took their resignation drama seriously.
You make a very good point. We should respect the local culture & imbibe at least a few traditions. Instead of living in ghettos, like sitting ducks. I also feel bad for the Sinhalas. Their economy is in tatters & their tourism industry has taken a hit.
I agree – I honestly don’t know why more people resort to war. Never seems to solve anything, least of all provide lasting peace. I wish more Srilankan Tamils had taken the route of Chelvanayagam, a Satyagrahi. He suffered from Parkinson’s disease & died. If he had enjoyed better health, who knows. It is humanity’s loss.
Ranjit – Thanks for your comment & kind words.
Yes, I’m bracing myself for a scathing attack from the peanut gallery. After seeing the blind hatred of many Tamils in India towards the Sinhalas, I felt I had to set the record straight.
What Jayawardhene did in 1983 was unpardonable. It was state sponsored genocide & it is reprehensible. But, after that, the Srilankan govt has tried peace talks, ceasefires, relief packages – nothing seems to work out with LTTE. What else can a leader do after 25 years of terrorism, to stamp out the menace?
Mahinda Rajapakse is a bold leader with resolve. Of the “Sama (Talk), Bheda (Divide), Dana (Reward), Danda (Use Violence)” techniques, Srilanka has already used “Bheda”. It has divided LTTE & rewarded those that sided with the Srilankan govt. So, they are trying other things too.
Excellently researched and written post. Thanks for enlightening us on the history of Sri Lanka and exposing the duplicity of the TN politicians on the vexing tamil issue. I agree with Subba, that armed conflicts by the minorities have never succeeded and they never will. The question i worry about often concerning the world is – when the majority becomes strident and runs roughshod over minority aspirations, what choice do the minorities have?
Sukumar – Thanks for your comment & kind words.
Any minority that is more prosperous than the majority will be resented. That’s a fact of life. But the other minority – the kind that is neither prosperous nor free from harassment – how can they escape their predicament? Apart from suggesting that they need leaders like MLK, Gandhi or Mandela – I honestly don’t know what the answer is.
Priya,
Your post has motivated me to learn more about the history of Sri Lanka and the Tamil population settled there.
I agree with Sukumar that when minority rights and their privileges are ignored, what recourse do they have? It behooves, or maybe is even imperative that the majority accede special attention and more affirmation to the minority community. Majority has to go out of the way to make the minority feel inclusive without coddling – tough line to tread, but not impossible.
I can understand a natural tendency to be clannish in the case of Tamilians in India. However, at some point in time common sense needs to prevail. What is the use of education, experience and mental maturity if they fail logic and one’s gut-level instincts takes over. Also, tapping into animal emotions of the uneducated and using them for political gains is unpardonable.
Ganesh
Ganesh – Thanks for your comment.
The majority should treat the minorities carefully – its a kind of “Peace Insurance”. Some may call it “Minority Appeasement”, but I prefer another term – “Minority Welfare”. It is appeasement only when a certain line is crossed & the rights of the majority are trampled upon.
The ruling DMK party in Tamil Nadu is doing very badly. So, the people of TN are furious & they want to skewer the ministers. Since the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu & his coterie of inept nincompoops can’t solve real problems, they want to distract people. And when certain cards (like race & language) are played, most political parties feel compelled to follow suit.
The Movie Industry is at the beck & call of this Chief Minister – They are swooning over him. If he asks them to tap-dance buck-naked on a very cold day in Alaska, they’ll ask him “And what else?”. He must be gratified that at least 1 segment of the voters – those in the movie industry – care for him. The rest want to banish him to another planet.
A nice post Priya.
//He rejected his Srilankan identity & called himself a proud Dravidian. He then proceeded to attack the “Mahavamsa”. Imagine what Indians would do if some jackass heckled the “Ramayana” or the “Mahabharata”.//
But I couldn’t accept this above point. Do you think this has not happened in India? Think of what Periyar EVR did. He did not just “heckle” the Ramayana or Mahabharata, but went much further. I am trying to imagine or recollect what the Indians did at that time? They did not react like the Sinhalese, for sure. (1983)
//Apart from suggesting that they need leaders like MLK, Gandhi or Mandela//
Also I am not sure about the applicability of these leaders’ techniques in all circumstances. Or does it?
Meenaks – Thanks for your comment.
Yes, Periyar did it & got away with it. That was back when Hindu Nationalism was in a stupor in the Southern states. It will backfire very badly now – see what happens every time the DMK tries to smear Lord Rama now. They have to furiously back-pedal. The mood in India has definitely changed & the pious have become a little militant.
Please note that the Sinhalas did not initiate a genocide because G.G.Ponnambalam attacked the Mahavamsa! The 1983 riots happened much, much later. And the reasons are very different.
Regarding your 2nd point – A minority can never justify its demands if it resorts to violence. The international community will be appalled & repulsed. So, I’m unable to see any alternative to Ahimsa & a diplomatic intervention. In recent history, has there been any minority that prospered after a prolonged arms struggle? I can’t think of any.
Plus, note that a people that participate in an arms struggle become unsuitable for civilian life, when peace finally comes around. This is the problem that nations like Rwanda face.
Thanks Ganesh.
Meenaks, you raise a good question with respect to Periyar’s heckling of the Hindu epics. But then, you have to remember the historical context in which Periyar was operating. Periyar’s predominant posturing was against the Brahmins who were always a rank minority. His opposition to the Hindu epics and general atheism was built on a plank of anti-brahmanism. Brahmins, could not retaliate violently because they could not have taken on the 90%+ population of the state that was non-brahmin and generally sympathetic to Periyar’s movement.
To Priya’s point, I agree, if Periyar tried the same stunts today, when the Hindu majority has become strident (thanks to BJP and the likes), he will get a sound thrashing.
The problem of srilanka is multi-dimensional to be described within one or two posts..
There is one point often forgotten.. the LTTE could not sustain for more than 30 years, without the support of the srilankan tamils throughout the world.. its their funding, active campaigning and unquestioned support that is keeping LTTE alive..
There are numerous tamils who had soft corner for the LTTE.. and this post had certainly hurt them due to the use of harsh and unparliamentary words, which could have been avoided..
The comparison of LTTE to kashmir is not logical.. indeed, the comparison b/w erstwhile bangladesh with the srilankan tamilians appears logical to some extent.. (courtesy, director simon alial seeman)..
There are lot of differences b/w terrorist organisation and LTTE.. unlike other terrorist organisation, whose primary aim is to destabilise the enemy or to inflict damages to the nation or people they consider as enemy, the the LTTE had a larger aim of establishing tamil home land..
They have an army, and a navy, police department, judiciary, library, schools, and all other components that a nation would have..
They also have their own national anthem..
And very recently they have developed their airforce.. these all represent not just a terrorist organisation, but a larger goal of nationhood..
And all these are NOT possible without the support of numerous srinkan tamil refugees through out the world..
And again i request the post author not to insult those tamils using abusive words..
Although the aim of the tamil armed group is towards tamil nation, they carried out numerous and barbaric casualities among both moderate tamilians and sinhalese.. and that is the reason why they are termed as terrorist organisation.. thus causing severe backslash from the sinhalese army, and thus the unending cycle of violence..
Its a fact, that any terrorist outfit cannot survive without a political backing.. and for the LTTE, india was the political backing till rajiv’s assasination..
The primary reason for india backing ltte is srilanka’s nasty game on india, allowing US to establish a military base at triconmalee.. they even seemed to be colliding with pakistan, to blackmail india in important things, the same thing which was done by erstwhile royal dynasty of nepal, using china..
Indira gandhi was the first to give arms training to the LTTE, in many areas of tamil nadu.. and then continued till rajiv, who over confidently intervened and committed a greatest blunder of entering in to armed conflict with LTTE..
The reason why Rajiv gandhi was assasinated has many reasons, both known and unknown.. as per some sources, the LTTE handed over a group of its men wanted by srilanka for war criminal, to indian peace keeping force with a condition that they would NOT be handed over to srilankan army.. but IPKF handed over these LTTE men to sri-lankan army, who immediately assasinated them brutally.. this was the turning point which made LTTE hostile against Indian force..
And thus followed the Jaffna Foot ball ground operation, where indian mission to capture prabhakaran ended with sever casualities..
The LTTE planted false intelligence among indian forces and spread a lie that prabakaran was holed up in jaffna football ground.. as they expected, indian forces landed thru helicopted in the centre of the ground.. but the LTTE already positioned in the trees surrounding the ground, hunted indian forces as they landed down in the helicopter..
This was second turning point in india’s intervention.. this angered the predominantly sikh soldiers, and they went in to rampage, and in to a killing spree.. it was alleged, that many tamil women were raped by the enraged army.. (not sure about that)..
and then LTTE was thrown out of Jaffna, and elections conducted there..
But the changed political situation there made srilanka and LTTE group together and order indian peace keeping forces to get out of their land.. and thus IPKF has to return humiliated both in srilanka and in tamilnadu..
Senthil,
Even CPI-ML is the political front for their guerrilla people’s army whom we call Maoists. They do kill innocent people with ideology which at least of all people, right-wing will not subscribe
. Having all those functional elements of government will not make it a nation. They have to provide those facilities to people in order to use them as human shields later. Like they feed chicken well to make tasty Biriyani three months later.
I don’t understand, why you feel sorry for those terrorists (Tamils later).
Funding by expatriate Tamil populace is a huge thing when that organization was not banned across many democracies. How many do you think are voluntarily giving. And how many do you think are giving because they have to. If you say that in the Srilankan issue, everybody are to be blamed including our India. At least Congress party which was in power need not have heeded to the pressure from parties like DMK/ AIADMK during 1980s. There was no coalition govt then. Somewhere at the high level foreign policy we took some stupid decisions and paid enough price.
BTW from what I read, Sinhalese ultra nationalists during 1950s also suck big time. They never learned politics and became leaders, causing further divisions. What happened for Tamil’s in Srilanka is horrible.
Priya,
Thank you for writing this post. I was getting frustrated watching Sun TV and the pathetic attempt by the tamil movie stars, I switched the TV off after 10 minutes. Hema was getting mad at me because I was not supporting the tamils. When I asked her to read up on the history and also to look deeply at who the movie stars were supporting, she didn’t listen to me initially. You’ve helped me immensely.
I believe both sides have issues – the Sinhalese side and the tamil side – I don’t count the LTTE to be on any side. They are there to inflame and benefit and I put them right next to pond scum. I don’t approve of secession, no matter how small a part of the bread you want.
A piece of information missing from your post – When the British ruled, the tamil minority was getting undue advantage over the Sinhalese majority – most of the english schools and hence a derivative more potential and opportunities were going to the tamil minorities. Yes, this is British divide and rule, but you didn’t find the tamil fighting at that time saying we are one country. Obviously, after it’s independence, there was mistrust amongst the Sinhalese majority towards the tamil minority. What Bandaranaike did with ‘Sinhala Only Act’ was stupid and divisive and stoked the class / race separation using language as the medium. Frankly, that is exactly what MK did with the tamil only act in civil service. In my opinion, both these acts are right wing nut case acts and caused unbearable damage – in SL case, loss of jobs for many tamils and mistrust. An eye for an eye only leaves the world blind theory is in full proof here.
For the LTTE fox to gaurd the tamil chicken coop is pathetic. They are not interested in peace, never were, never will.
Ganesh’s and Sukumar’s point are very good. How do you protect a minority community and not let them get marginalized? Can we have a multi-State, yet a single country approach for Srilanka. Yes, they are not big enough to have too many states, but, is that an approach that could work if LTTE is gone.
On a side note, as a community the Tamils are very strong in opposing any incursion into their language – remember hiding all the Hindi names with Tar at train stations umpteen number of times. Yet, we are open to incursion by English. I wonder why that is? Even during the “hindi ozhippu” phase, we would leave the english language alone. Why are we radicals when it comes to any other language meddling with tamil, yet, we welcome English with open arms. Is it purely opportunistic instinct?
If that’s the case, for garnering peace in SL, they should look at taking a more opportunistic approach with the Tamils.
Vamsi.. i dont back the LTTE fully, because of the fact that they have killed equal number of tamils as the sinhala army .. but could not accept the post author using derorogatory words..
The purpose of each armed struggle differentiate their character.. in case of maoists, the aim is only establish their idealogy, that was often used as a political tool.. in our case, china..
As i said earlier , the entity backing an armed outfit or rebels is an important factor..
If we take Nepal, the Maoists was strongly backed by china.. and even though they have killed more than 13,000 people, finally they succeeded..
Many international entity involve in any armed rebellion for multitude of reasons that we may never know..
I agree to you in that the congress should not have heeded to DMK in 1980′s.. but the reason may be more than that..
today, the LTTE may be crushed completely, or a political solution arrived at.. whatever may be, the srilankans of today would not be the srilankans of the past.. rajapakse had acknowledged the necessity of inclusive political structure.. and he had successfully broken the LTTE using karuna, and made him participate in elections in eastern province.. this is a vital blow to the LTTE..
time has to answer..
Sukumar – Thanks. You summed up my thoughts on Periyar’s opposition very well.
Welcome back Senthil – only you will be able to support a terrorist organization with such vigor and come out with what in your mind are logical sounding reasons.
Where do you stand with making J&K it’s own country or being annexed with Pakistan. List all your reasons why you oppose it. Now, read that again with the title changed to “tamils” instead of J&K. Rinse and repeat and tell us how that looks.
Senthil – Thanks for your comment.
Yes, LTTE has many front organizations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Canada. Most people don’t understand the underlying reasons for the ethnic strife. So, I plan to write as much as I can.
You are bothered about my “abusive words” about a banned terrorist organization? Their killings & support for Naxalites doesn’t bother you? I thought you were dead-set against the Maoist menace in India. You are now worried about the little feelings of people that support LTTE, most of whom have no idea what LTTE is upto? Perhaps you changed your opinions in the few weeks where you were not commenting on this blog?
I fail to see what’s illogical about my comparison with Kashmir. The way I see it, its on the dot. You haven’t given any reasons for disagreeing with me.
Most separatists want a homeland. Khalistan even printed their own currency. So what? A terrorist is a terrorist. Them being separatists doesn’t change it. I fail to see your point.
Senthil, you believed LTTE story of IPKF raping Srilankan Tamil Women. IPKF is a disaster. It is a decision which made everyone felt victimized. I would blame Premadasa more than anybody else. He is another nut to run a country at least the one with such a servere civil war going.
No comments about Priya’s comments on some nut folks. They are called sarcastic comments, my friend. You should not read too much into it and move on after getting the context. They are thoroughly entertaining or else this would become a stoic BBC news item.
Vamsi – Yeah, you would think of all people, the right wing would be dead-set against LTTE. I think Senthil just goes by his gut – whatever the “liberals” say on this blog is wrong. So, he chooses his polarity after he reads what we say.
And you are right. In Canada for e.g. – fund-raising for LTTE is by force. Tamil businesses pay up or else! This has stopped lately, after LTTE was banned.
Senthil – I have news for you. I plan to use stronger words. If your stomach cramps at that very thought, I’m so un-sorry. I’ll reserve my “parliamentary” words for normal, average, everyday people – not terrorist pond-scum like the LTTE & ULFA.
vamsi.. IPKF rape may be allegations.. i have no proof to substantiate.. there are few ceylon returned people in my native, and thru them and some others i heard this many years ago..
Btw, i just expressed what i felt of those sarcastic words.. i may be having a soft corner for LTTE.. but that should not blind me supporting their attrocities..
I came across this link, on IPKF.. pretty interesting..
http://www.rediff.com/news/2000/mar/23lanka.htm
NK – Thanks for your comment.
I’m glad you & I think alike on secession. Please ask Hema to read more – the next servings on this post too.
I didn’t “miss” any part, I was planning to write about the background on the strife in my next post. My post is marked part-1, you know
Mundhiri Kottai? I’m planning to go over some parts of the Srilankan constitution in the next post.
Srilanka could have simply created linguistic provinces like Indian states. I don’t know why they didn’t try it. They wouldn’t be going over the prolonged civil war now.
NK & Priya.. I dont use to change my opinion that easily unless convincing.. and if i change, it would be strong and long lasting..
The core difference b/w kashmir and LTTE is that kashmiri terrorism is part of global islamic terrorism.. the core reason, that muslims cannot live alongside hindus.. there neither india, nor the majority hindus alienated the muslims..
In case of LTTE, they originated out of sinhala isolation of tamils, and later due to support of india grew in to tamil nationalism..
This is my understanding..
Senthil – Horrified to hear that you have a, what did you call it? – “soft corner” for the LTTE. You & I are poles apart in almost every respect.
What makes you think we are trying to change your opinion? We are just flabbergasted at yours, that’s all.
Priya.. khalistan rebellion was suppressed by KPS gill, another sikh.. and this is the strength of indian democracy..
Senthil,
I say this in jest, so, please take it for what it is worth.
It’s been in the back of my mind for a long time and now it comes out. How come, for every point you make, it’s because you have some relative who have experienced it, some body from your native village said so, people in your village has seen this etc. I get the feeling that you are overcompensating for something.
We will be open to talking to you even if someone in your native or town hasn’t been through an issue. Just a thought.
Priya,
Heee! Heee!
I saw the part-1 piece only later.
NK.. i did not say, the ceylon returned person was affected or experienced it.. they went there for a living, and now due to the circumstances, they returned back..
Probably, your surprise may have a reason.. my grandfather migrated to malaysia in his 13th age, and then worked in singapore.. in between, he came here, married and then took his wife there.. my mother was born there.. but for some reasons, he sent my grandmother back to india..
many from my region also went there.. one of my relative went there in his child hood.. there are many families in my region, where one of the person is a malaysian citizen..
I dont know whether you believe it or not.. muthaiya muralitharan (the cricket player) finds his root in my region.. there are many in my community who migrated to malaysia and ceylon during british rule..
there is a separate association in singapore for people migrated from our region.. and if you can believe, many of the workers in London today is from my region.. the current chief minister of penang has his origin in coimbatore area.. and i know his mother.. (if you could believe
)
sorry.. one correction.. its deputy chief minister.. its Mr. Ramasamy, son of muthammal grant
Senthil,
This is regarding your comment http://www.sastwingees.org/2008/11/06/the-real-history-of-srilanka-part-1/#comment-6518
I know you don’t change your opinions that easily. That’s why it’s entertaining arguing with you, up to a point. In fact, I am pretty sure, you’ve never changed your opinion through all the blog posts here. Even those times you tried, you’ve come back and changed your mind
I like your reasoning behind Kashmir – it would be hilarious if not for the ethnic cleansing part. “The core reason is Muslims can’t live alongside Hindus”. Why don’t your theory hold good in other parts of India where there are muslims alongside hindus. It’s nice of you to oppress the minority. If I make the same case “The core reason for mistrust in SL is because the tamils can’t live alongside Sinhalese”.
Priya, for many complex problems there will be simple and logical solutions like your suggestion for linguistic states. But one should use brain and no go with jingoism for such practical solutions to be adapted. I guess 1960-1975 period would have been a golden time to assimilate the Tamils in Srilankan culture without crushing their aspirations. Once monsters like LTTE came into picture it is war or else situation.
NK & Vamsi – Senthil opposes terrorism only if Muslims & Christians are involved. If Velupillai Prabhakaran was named Syed Naqvi or Peter Fernandez, he’ll attack LTTE. His definitions are totally fungible. Since Prabhakaran is a Hindu & a Tamil, he changes the definition of terrorism – “Its not a terrorist organization if it has a police force & civic administration bodies. Also they want nationhood, so its not sinister”. I’m sure ETA will be gratified to hear the latter.
Actually, having such civic bodies is what takes LTTE to sinister proportions. My heart goes out to all the peace-loving Srilankans – Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim & Burgher. What a rotten way to live, in an island paradise.
Vamsi – Actually, having linguistic states was Sukumar’s idea. You are right – Srilanka should have done it sooner. Parochialism prevented them from seeing straight & hatred for the minorities blinded them. Also, Srilanka is a case study for why Church & State should be separate.
Its very depressing that the countries that I’ll die to see, are literally the ones that I’ll die if I see. Ok, that was a PJ. But, think about it. Iran, Afghanistan, Srilanka, Iraq & some Central Asian countries. The oldest countries seem to be the most dangerous.
Senthil,
I am surprised at your stance. As Priya says if LTTE was a christian or a muslim organization you will be the first person to denounce them. Your “supposed” fact that muslims can’t live side by side with hindus falls flat as Sreedhar pointed out. You may not have heard this, but i have heard directly from Kannada and Marathi zealots that “Tamils don’t know how to live side by side with others – look at bangalore, mumba, sri lanka etc and in tamilnadu they don’t learn the national language Hindi”. Caricaturing entire communities to justify violence/terrorism is an easy thing to do.
Sukumar – Nothing surprises me where Senthil is concerned. His views/definitions bend to suit his prejudices. Any data that contradicts his bias will be discredited or his views/definitions will be bent some more to deflect the blow.
Civil liberties are important, as long as they help someone Senthil thinks are “his people”. Why bother about Srilankan, Sinhala, Buddhists?
On another note, I was terribly ashamed to call myself a Tamil when rioting students pelted stones at the Srilankan High Commission in Chennai. An embassy official sustained injuries in that incident. Is this how we treat diplomats from a friendly nation, with whom we have strong cultural ties?
I am surprised, when we are expressing our views, all of a sudden, there starts the allegations.. NK says i am oppressing minority.. and priya and sukumar says, i am bent over my biased views.. i was just expressing a point of view from a different perspective..
Now let me explain one more angle to this case.. priya and sukumar alleged that had prabakaran been a christian or muslim, i would have opposed him.. but how many of you actually know prabakaran was a christian, and his children are also christian??? the name of his son is charles antony… any more allegations..??
Its no wonder, that many of the armed struggle are sponsored by church, like in case of Northeast, those in Ireland, and in east timor, and recently in Nepal.. but because i said something against christian church, i was branded as minority basher or hater..
The upsurp of power in Fiji few years before, when an indian headed the nation, is also handiwork of church, actively backed by australian government..
but no one here is going to accept these facts.. or atleast discuss these facts..
The main reason, why some of the hindu outfits oppose LTTE is that he is a hard core christian… probably, if he had fought for a christian nation, many of the western countries would have supported like they did in east timor, and our indian newspapers would have carried articles supporting them, and hence priya, sukumar and vamsi, might have favored them as marginalised, suppressed fighting for their rights.. but they have been fighting for tamil nation, and hence none of the western nations took note of..
Just a bit of introspection will reveal.. who is behind them helping their cause in international arena.. why norway is so much interested in LTTE issue? the chief political head of LTTE was anton balasingham..
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080405112300AA0GGVV
one more info… why india hesitated LTTE even during rajiv gandhi period is that emergence of tamil nationalism will one day spread to current tamilnadu also.. and having a tamil nation adjacent might be dangerous to india’s integrity, as perceived by indian beurocracy..
Sukumar,
Its the tamil leaders (annadurai and karunanidhi), who did not allow hindi to be introduced.. i went to hindi class, and wrote up to rashtrabasha.. i know to read and write hindi.. when we could accept a foreign language english, then we could very well learn not just hindi.. but any of our indic languages..
Mother tongue should be primary language for us to learn, and we need to be profilient in as many languages as we can to broaden our mind and for integrating with the world..
Senthil,
There is no authoritative source that says Prabhakaran is christian. Please cite your source (it has to be a neutral source). Let us assume for the moment that Prabhakaran is christian. Does that make LTTE a christian organization? The presence of 2 or 3 christians in LTTE doesn’t make it christian. There are atleast 2 or 3 senior muslim leaders in the BJP, does that make BJP a muslim organization?
BTW, we are not alleging anything here. We are talking facts here. You have ranted on this blog several times against Islam and Islamic terrorists but when you come across a tamil terrorist you support it. What is the “allegation” here. We are just rehashing what you have already said on this blog.
Sukumar,
LTTE may not be a christian organisation.. but the fact that the top most leaders are christians highlights the influence of church.. that is my point..
just bashing some organisation would not help in any way.. we need to understand how they operate, who are supporting them, their motives, and their networks..
In most of the cases, i just express my understanding on the above lines.. even now, i expressed my understanding, but i am termed as LTTE supporter.. my point was that the very issue of srilankan tamils was started because of sinhala chauvinism, .. later when violence broke out, the polarity gets severed leading full scale violence on both sides.. today, everyone wants a solution, but LTTE was adamant and inflexible.. and that was the core problem.. to only accuse LTTE appears to be unfair.. the sinhalese army had done equal number of atrocities on tamils..
Today, rajapkashe has brought a solution in eastern province using breakaway faction of ltte, who participated in election and captured power democratically.. that was a welcoming solution, and shows some change in srilankan attitude, which was welcome.. if LTTE failed to be flexible, then they would have to face the extinction..
Separate homeland for tamils would give independance to tamils.. but they would be in permanent enmity with sinhalese.. however if a peace accord had been arrived at in to federal structure, both will flourish..
This is my stand..
Senthil – Please read Sukumar’s comment again. There is no proof that Prabhakaran is Christian.His daughter’s name is Dwaraka, so go figure. He was certainly born a Hindu & he keeps his private life strictly under wraps. There is no proof that he converted to Christianity. This was a rumor started by certain sites. If you want to talk facts, I suggest you get them.
The 1st name doesn’t always indicate one’s religion. “Julius” Jayawardhene = Buddhist. “Basil” Rajapakse = Buddhist. Even in India, “Stalin” is a Hindu. Would you conclude based on that, that his father Muthuvel Karunanidhi is a Christian? Our daughter has an Arabic name. That doesn’t mean we are Muslims.
Yes, Rajapakse has been very savvy in getting Karuna & Pillayan to form a govt. How successful they’ll be, is yet to be seen. But, that’s definitely a good start. And I’m glad you see it that way too.
And yes, a separate homeland for Tamils is infeasible. They would be unable to defend themselves, they’ll interfere in India, there will be incursions & our lives will be impacted. Its just a harebrained scheme of Prabhakaran, the psycho.
Senthil,
I back Priya. My son has a Persian name. Hope you wont call him a Shia Muslim. There are many instances where western democracies supported freedom struggles without Church being involved. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid. So, based on names we cannot say anything about the curch’s support. Why do you think Pakistan (muslim), China (Buddhist/ maoist) and Israel(Jewish state) helping Srilanka then. Is it because they hate Christians? Countries would like to have sphere of influence across the globe. Why cannot you read this as such move?
We should not read too much into rediff.com sources
Senthil,
This is regarding your comment http://www.sastwingees.org/2008/11/06/the-real-history-of-srilanka-part-1/#comment-6546. I said that you are oppressing the minority. Here are my reasons.
In your comments http://www.sastwingees.org/2008/11/06/the-real-history-of-srilanka-part-1/#comment-6518, you say that the reason kashmir is an issue is because muslims can’t live alongside hindus. There’s no alienation. By this, your point is people of an entire religion can’t live with someone else. I call that generalization oppression. You are not giving them an option to come out of it. You are saying that if you are born in a muslim family and live in Kashmir, you have no option but not be able to live alongside Hindus. If that’s not an oppressing opinion, I am not sure what is.
You other point in that comment was – Kashmir is part of islam terrorism and hence it’s international. LTTE is local. Local terrorists are good, only international ones are bad. I’d call this by a different name, but you’ll say I am being un-parliamentary.
Your point about LTTE being local is already in dispute. There are claims that they are having commercial interactions with other militant groups including ones that are islamic (oh my god!). Please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_Tigers_of_Tamil_Eelam#Allegation_of_Ethnic_cleansing and read about “International Institute for Strategic Studies”
Thanks Priya and Vamsi.
Senthil, you are sympathetic to the LTTE cause and you even have a reason for their terrorism – Sinhala Chauvinism. Will you be okay if Kashmiri Muslim Terrorists said their terrorism is due to Indian Hindu religious chauvinism? The point is every terrorist organization has a reason and justification for their activities. As Priya says supporting any terrorist cause opposes the human cause. At this time, LTTE cannot be supported no matter what their reasoning.
NK – I didn’t know LTTE had contacts with Islamic militant groups. Thanks for letting us know. I did see a report where a mention about their contacts with ISI was alluded to, though. I don’t know how reliable that information is, hence I chose not to write about it in the post.
NK..
Please explain, for what reason, kashmiri pandits had been driven out.. and for what reason, the pakistan hindus has been reduced from 10% to just 1%.. have you forgot that the very idea of pakistan born out of the reason i said .. that muslims cannot live alongside hindus, as proposed by jinnah?
If muslims in other parts of india are living peacefully, its because of inherent hindu tolerance.. so here no question of hindu chauvinism.. because hinduism is NOT monolithic structure, with holy book or centralised religious head.. hinduism is just a group of thousands of small cultures and sects.. the very federal nature of our nation is due to diverse hindu culture..
Btw, LTTE’s network is world wide… no denials.. but their fight is localised.. their activities are very brutal,.. but as i said earlier, these are chain reactions, where both sides killed each other, and just bashing only LTTE is not fair..
I agree with vamsi, when he said, LTTE missed a golden opportuniy two decades back, when the srilankan government agreed for inclusive structure.. infact, because of LTTE, the moderate political leaders could not accept that..
Senthil,
How noble of you – Muslims can’t live with anyone no matter what. If they live alongside hindus in other parts, it’s because of hindus “tolerance”. It’s nice of them, isn’t it. Good for you.
Am I hearing that you oppose LTTE or do you still have a “soft corner” for them? Please state your position and we can talk. I don’t want you to slip and slide with I never said anything.
Priya and vamsi..
a person’s religion can never be proved.. because religion exists at mental plane.. i may have hindu name.. and as per government records, i may be hindu.. but that doesnt constitue my religion.. my personal practice and worship is the core criteria to decide my religion..
And this is exactly the same reason, why Inquisition happened all over india.. the inability to detect if a person belongs to the particular religion at the mental plane..
And if we go by your terms, there are many examples.. sonia gandhi, rahul gandhi, priyanka gandhi are catholics.. (cleverly named to fool indian mass).. george fernandes is a hindu, by his practices.. vaiko is a christian as per his acknowledgement (believe me).. Y.S.Rajasekar reddy is a christian, (S being silent) ..
Sai Baba, the hindu religious icon is a muslim saint..
MuKa is an atheist.. while stalin is a spiritual person and devotee of puttaparthi sai baba.. (again believe me..) ..
so, we cannot just conclude velupillai prabhakaran as hindu by his name.. whether he is a christian or hindu, is not a concern.. its his own choice and personal rights..
But, what i am focussing is the role of churches in LTTE affair, which is not acknowledged in this discussion..
Vamsi.. i just want to ask you why the vatican pope needs to issue partial statement when maoists took over nepal.. and what is their role?
I dont know if you are aware of the fact that the church played a main role in the collapse of soviet russia..
a small correction as given below…
“And this is exactly the same reason, why Inquisition happened all over world and also in Goa..”
Senthil – If you don’t know whom LTTE drove out & which innocent people were victimized by them, you have to wait & read the next few iterations of my post. It is illogical to claim otherwise, when you don’t have the facts.
Senthil – Please refrain from taking side tracks. It is ok to mention other separatists & persecutions as a comparison point only. But I don’t want numerous side-tracks & side-bars in this discussion. The aim of the comments thread should be to share opinions on the struggle in Srilanka ONLY.
NK.. come on.. lets discuss in plain terms without alleging each other or locking ourselves in ideals.. i just point out some historic incident and my conclusion based on that.. if that is wrong, let me have your version based on facts, or inferences..
Discussing a sensitive issue is different from insulting a religion.. i do not insult islam.. but i am discussing based on recent histories.. and if my inference is wrong, i would be glad to know your alternate views on why that happened..
Priya.. i am winding up my discussion, and waiting for your next post.. i too dont want to deviate..
Senthil,
Please don’t twist my words. I didn’t say let’s lock ourselves in ideals. I want you to state what your position is – I’ve already stated that I am against secession and I don’t approve of LTTE. I want to know what your position is. It’s not that tough or difficult. If you are saying you have no opinion on this, then I don’t want to continue a discussion with you, because it’s a waste of my time.
NK,
The following comment of mine would make you clear..
http://www.sastwingees.org/2008/11/06/the-real-history-of-srilanka-part-1/#comment-6549
my stand is that both tamils and sinhalese should arrive at a peaceful settlement and live together.. and my opinion is that if tamils get freedom, they would be in permanent enmity with sinhalese, which would not be good for both.. and in present circumstances, if eliminating LTTE makes gauranteed peace as it is there in eastern province under karuna, then let that happen..
Great post Priya! Excellent research. Thanks for educating us on the history of island paradise.
Senthil,
Do you really believe in what you write or are you thinking by writing these S*** you are making this blog lively? What! You have a “soft corner” for LTTE? Did I read it correctly? Remember vaiko and few others were arrested for supporting LTTE – universally banned terrorist organization. So be careful! I know you might say for cause of Tamil you will do anything…you even have a “soft corner” for LTTE for Tamil’s cause – “Udal mannukku, uyir tamizhukku”?
You clearly have different standards for India and Sri Lanka. You accept that fighting terrorism in India and saving Kashmir from Islamist jihadis is important but not so in Sri Lanka which has been horrified for more than two decades by the LTTE. You might have seen this before or pretend not to have known because you have a “soft corner” for LTTE – http://www.spur.asn.au/ltteatrp.htm (Warning: The photographs may offend the sensibilities of some readers)
BTW, I also had the same question as Sreedhar. Your village seems to have vast experience. Anything and everything you quote your village whenever I come to India next…I wish to visit your place!
- Ramesh
Senthil – Thanks. You are right – carving out Eelam will ensure that Sinhalas & Tamils would be rivals forever. And as you say, we should take a wait & watch approach with Karuna. I’m more worried about Pillayan – a child soldier, turned terrorist turned reformed administrator. Let’s hope he works together with Karuna & Rajapakse to bring peace to the North East.
Ramesh – Thanks for your comment.
Ultimately, Senthil wants peace in Srilanka as well & he makes a good point about why a separate Eelam shouldn’t be created. And he agrees that whatever needs to be done to bring about peace should be done.
I was appalled too, at his remark about having a soft corner for LTTE. But, that’s a reflection of what many educated, gainfully employed people in Tamil Nadu think now. Their stance is, Sinhalas are beating up the Tamils & that’s wrong. Ergo, why single out LTTE for punishment?
Which is what made me write this post. I wanted to show that LTTE is not really fighting for its people & that their tentacles stir up evil in the far reaches of India. Hence the revulsion Indians (except perhaps Tamils) have for LTTE.
Priya,
I agree that movie stars created a hoopla for nothing.It was nothing but a glorified stunt.I feel movie stars shoul not interefere in politics,it was very analogous to socialism and licesnse Raj where goverment interferred with business,if this is not nipped in bud then its about time they start dictating terms( we can see that already more and more interferece in politics).
But that apart,LTTE is not god personfied by representing millions of Tamils world wide,they are also in world of politics so they have changed their stance on and off to rule,now since they are on the defensive Indian help (specifically Tamil Help ) is called .
But I would like to add one thing is we in India have no moral stand in condemning and blaming LTTE.We should not forget that LTTE was trained by India so we let reeds grow when they should have dipped in bud long time back,we wake up only after a Gandhi assaniation.I mean what we did in Sri Lanka is very simliar to what Pakistan is doing in Kashmir and Assam .We may call it peace keeping force ..but that in my opinion was plain interference.
And having a linguistic state in Sri Lanka is deft not a solution as a seperate Tamil Solution will lead to a Pan Tamil Nationalisation which lead to separitist movements in various states in SE Asia and India.Globally Ethnic seperation in form Sub National entites have succeeded only in big countries like India ,Russia or Canada or that matter.The day a similar operations happens in smaller country it has always led to the formation newer nations(Balkans,Ethiopia etc)
Ramesh.. what can i reply, after you categorised my comments as “S****” ..
Because every one is bashing LTTE, should i do the same.. does failing to do so, makes my views as “S***” ?
Just imagine, what would be the situation, if Rajiv had not been assasinated? No one would ever dare to talk against LTTE..
today, because the LTTE were in disadvantageous position, and we cannot blindly abuse them to our wishes..
I personally think, the truth is some thing that lies away during height of concentrated propoganda.. it depends on whether we give in to such propoganda or sit back and observe what is the reality..
Btw, the sufferings of the tamil people cannot be simply ignored.. the sri-lankan army had caused equal number of atrocities, and just a simple search in youtube would give us the LTTE version of the same conflict..
Btw, do any one have any info on the destruction of Jaffna university.. Culturally, it is one of the greatest loss to the world..
Karthi.. Federal structure would be appropriate for sri-lanka peace.. my view is that the tamil issue is different from other ideologically motivated terrorism.. for example, the goal of communism is to establish communist states all over india.. hence when they capture one state they start working against all other neighbouring states.. so as the other form of terrorism..
But in case of tamil, the very root of the problem is sinhala chauvinism.. when a peace accord is brought, and a proper issue resolution mechanism arrived within federal structure of sri-lanka, there would not be much problem, unless intolerance exhibits either among tamils or lankans.. this may be distant possibility.. even today, there was considerable interaction b/w lankans and tamils.. and the only issue of trust is that tamils may be a LTTE supporter.. when LTTE is no more or have been integrated, then that distrust fades away..
When they could not establish tamil nation within sri-lanka, it has vey low possibility of spreading to other areas..
Btw.. there is one important observation.. the caste system of india, particularly tamil had been one of the important factor in stability of the society.. because, there are so many castes that there is no uniform voice of tamil nationalism.. Even the dalit leader thiruma valavan could not echo the voice of his own caste.. nor the ramdass could echo the voice of his entire caste over this..
While film stars and other political leaders shout over this, the common people are occupied with their own family life..
Since caste is largely based on family system, community relations, and cultural aspect, politics had been always separated from the common people, both in ancient times and present day.. and since no single caste can claim ownership of the land, there can not be any race based or land based separatism..
This is the same reason, why periyar’s anti-brahminism did not click in big way.. while he was doing all nasty politics, the common brahmins and other caste people lived amicably..
And this is the same reason why periyar’s and subsequently DMK’s separate tamil land lost impetus.. the common people never worried about separate tamil land or united india..
If one could set aside the closed negative mindset of caste system, they can understand all these..
Senthil – I thought you were going to wait for the next iteration, before commenting further?
If you want a meaningful, mature discussion, you should first understand that there are 2 sides to every conflict. “Sinhala chauvinism is the main reason for the Srilankan Tamil problem, Muslims are the main reason for terrorism in India” – Its a pattern of behavior, where people you associate yourself with are incapable of mistakes. Its an unrealistic approach to understanding any conflict.
But, suit yourself. Just keep your usual rhetoric down. Most of us use the blogs & the discussion to learn from each other, to share our thought. Not to drown the other voice.
Karthik – Thanks for your comment.
Yes, the movie actors indulged in nonsense this time. But I don’t have a problem with actors or any other citizens voicing their opinion & fighting for causes they see fit. As long as they don’t support terrorism & unlawful activities, I’m fine with them taking a political stance.
Rajiv Gandhi agreed to send IPKF after agreement from Jayawardhene. But, I agree. India should have kept its nose out of Srilanka.
You make a valid point about a Pan-Tamil movement. Its a scary scenario. But I honestly think Srilankan Tamils would have lost their taste for nationhood by now. Most of them just want to live & live peacefully.
If ever Srilanka creates a Tamil province, they need to keep separatist forces like DMK & MDMK, whose only accomplishment is stirring up trouble. They are useless characters, who’ll make a living out of separatism. DMK was once banned in Srilanka. Hope its still the case.
Senthil,
Thank you for stating your position in http://www.sastwingees.org/2008/11/06/the-real-history-of-srilanka-part-1/#comment-6572. Our positions are similar though there might be some nuances. I am glad you came out and stated your position.
I also like your comment that truth lies somewhere in the middle (not either of the extreme that either side portrays). I’d urge you to use the same sensible approach when dealing with kashmir / muslims / christians.
Priya.. my views are being interfered in a variety of ways.. since i was alleged for “Soft corner” i just pointed the other side..
Only if there are opposite views, there can be a middle ground and feasible truth.. everyone toeing down the same side, will not help in any way..
Sridhar.. thanks for your complement.. please substantiate if i am wrong in what i said about kashmir..
Senthil – Will there be any use if I point out that you said you have a soft corner for LTTE? Where is the need for “allegations” then? Please read your older comments first. There can’t be an opposing view on terrorism.
As I mentioned twice before, please don’t discuss in great detail about Kashmir here. When you read my subsequent posts, perhaps it will be clear to you how the Srilankan crisis is a lot like Kashmir. If you believe in eventually arriving at the feasible truth you mention that is.
@ Priya
People may have lost interest for nation hood at the moment,but a small spark is all that is needed to reignite it.
I was in Kashmir this summer during the crisis and I got to interact wil some Kashmiris.
Kashmir has been realy peaceful for the past 10 years…but a small spark called land allotment spread like wild fire,so Tamil issue is like that.As of now we may Tamils may just want peace but then when some incident happens, it will have a domino effect.
Karthik,
You are right. Hawks will be there everywhere. Old habits seldom die. Kashmir crisis was really something that could have been controlled in short span. Sometimes politicians, when they sight elections in sight, will play these games to get votes.
Sri Lanka of all nations know the price to be paid for exclusive policies. So as a nation, it would have learnt it’s valuable lesson.
Karthik & Vamsi – Yes, you make good points. When a nasty animal called intolerance takes over people, it seldom dies. It may go to sleep, but it may awaken any moment.
And politicos just stir it all up for their professional gains.
@ Senthil
I really dont see anything supporting LTTE .I had a softcorner for LTTE,but the miused that trust and assaniated an Indian leader (that to its probable PM elect and a former PM) in Tamil Nadu.I stilll dont understand that our politicos are still supporting them after this and getting away with it..Which is unpardnoble.
This is thin line between armed resistance and terrorism…Tigers had the support till it was an resistance for survival,but the day Rajiv Gandhi was assinated they transformed themselves to cold blooded missionaries .
Can we justify the millions of children who are being trained to become terrorists in Sri Lanka ? I really dont think so,so I guess at the present times LTTE probably doesnt deserve support from the people of TN
PS:Prabhakaran is a stauch Hindu,he has named his son Charles Anthony after one of his associates who was killed in 1983.
Karthik,
Very interesting. Can i request you to write a post on your Kashmir visit on this blog?
@ Sukumar,
Thanks a lot a that will be an honour and real pleasure.
PS:I meant mercenaries in my previous comment and not missionaries:)
Priya,NK,
Regarding LTTE ‘s alleged links with Islamic fundamentalists…..
There was a news item way back in nineties which stated that Rajiv Gandhi was warned by Yasser Arafat not to visit Tamil Nadu specifcally Sriperambdur on the D-Day as Rajiv Gandhi had always shared a cordial relationship with PLO and specically with Yasser Arafat.So I guess all organisations with some amount of armed struggle associated with each other were linked…If i get the arcticle i will circulate it .
http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/19980712/19350734.html
Priya.. What a profound thought against terrorism? I really appreciate your feeling and stand with you on the same line. The history of srilanka is narrated so very well. I never read about such a insightful post about the happenings in srilanka anywhere. Hats off to you.
Priya,
Excellent post!! Very well researched!! I join the other commentators in saying – Thank you for educating us. Priya, I backed the Tamil movie industry’s drama(I call it ‘Drama’ now, after reading your post & paitently discussing with my dear hubby:-)), assuming that they were against human violence, be it against the Tamils or others. Like the others who have mentioned, I don’t think a separate state is an answer. If anything, it would only be the beginning of a whole new set of issues.
Waiting for Part II
-Hema
Karthik – Thanks for the link.
You are right. The recruitment of child soldiers, thereby scarring them forever, is an unpardonable crime against humanity. If this is what LTTE does to the Tamils, I shudder to think of what they do to the Sinhalas.
Krithiga – Thanks for your comment & kind words. I’m glad to see that most readers of this post disapprove of terrorism.
Hema – Thanks for your comment.
I’m very glad to see that my post was helpful. I think India’s Central Government has taken a very sensible stance now, in asking Mahinda Rajapakse to take care of the innocent civilians – but they haven’t demanded a cessation of hostilities.
I’m all ready with Part II, will publish it in a couple of days.
Priya
Yesterday I was discussing about your post with one of my friend who is by native srilankan. He told me at one stage in Srilanka , Tamilians were over ruling srilankan and they started ill treating srilankan people. There is a tamil version saying “edatha kodutha madatha pidungara kathaiya pochu”..
I am eagerly waiting for the part II Priya
Krtihiga – Thanks. Is your friend a Sinhala? I think he’s referring to the reign of the Cholas. I’ll publish the next dose of the post tomorrow. Hope it meets your expectations.
Very nice write-up here Priya.
Dilip – Thanks for your comment.
Response to Karthik’s comment:
http://www.sastwingees.org/2008/11/06/the-real-history-of-srilanka-part-1/#comment-6612
Karthick.. thanks for pointing this article.. it just gives us the multi-dimensional role of varous elements, NOT just sri-lanka and LTTE alone in Rajiv’s murder..
Particularly the role of CIA, as mentioned in the article, on rajiv’s assasination..
The history of srilanka is clearly given……………..
“Srilanka became independent in 1948. As a fallout of the “Ceylon Citizenship Act” of 1948, the Indian Tamils were disenfranchised. Which means, all of them were stripped off their Srilankan citizenship & they had nowhere to go……”
Yes i agree that this is what a tolerant generation of people and a culture of 34000 years will do………
Sonali – Thanks for your comment.
The people with 34,000 years of culture – as you call the Sinhalas – were ably assisted by their Srilankan Tamil brethren in disenfranchising Indian plantation workers. If we question the tolerance of the Sinhalas, we should also pose the question to the Srilankan Tamils.
The only correct solution to give voice to the lankan tamils is to follow the Indo-srilanka peace accord of 1987. The accord requires colombo to devolve powers to the provinces and have provincial government. Accordingly, elections were conducted in the eastern province and a tamilian (pillayan) has become the chief minister. The president of SL has assured similar elections for the northern province once it is liberated from LTTE. Lakhs of oppressed people in India had their voices “heard” the day they were given a chance to vote. I hope the politicians in TamilNadu with a myopic vision of propping up tamil sentiment for electoral gains don’t spoil it for our tamil brothers there.
Vikraman – Thanks for your comment.
I agree that the elections in the reclaimed territories is a good, though shaky, start. Once the North is back with the Srilankan govt where it belongs, fair & free elections should be held. And Indian politicians should stop stoking communal fires for votes.
The peace accord was signed more than 20 years ago. Since then, the world around us has changed a lot. It should be renegotiated, is what I feel. There can be an interim govt in the North-East to reconstruct it & put the broken pieces together. But, after a stipulated time, it should be dissolved.
Once there is a modicum of stability – maybe 5 to 10 years from now:
Considering the long-term implications to Srilanka’s sovereignty, on no account should the North-East be treated differently from the rest of Srilanka. Look at Kashmir, India’s pain in the ass. Its bleeding India. It gets preferential treatment, which many Indians like me resent. And they want to secede.
High-time Srilankan Tamils understood they are Srilankans first, Tamils next. This will be for their own good – otherwise, Sinhala resentment for Tamils will grow even after the long-pending demise of LTTE.
I agree with your analysis. The LTTE has damaged the tamil cause more than anyone else. I dont think that you should compare kashmir with tamils in Srilanka. Even on paper, the tamil speakers are not considered to be equal citizens (which is not the case with kashmiris who are equal citizens of india and can even become prime minister).
Why dont the tamil speaking srilankans want northern sri lanka to be a part of tamil nadu? It will solve all the problems. Majority Sri lankans just want to get rid of the tamil speaking population by exporting them as refugees all over the world.
Revathi – Thanks for your comment.
Tamil speakers are not considered equal citizens in Srilanka? What is this statement of yours based on? Please explain, by citing official bills or laws in the Srilankan constitution. Please read Part-2 of my post, where I’ve dispelled the myth that Tamils can’t be the President of Srilanka. I think comparing the Srilankan problem with Kashmir is very valid.
Northern Srilanka should be a part of Tamil Nadu?! Whoa, hold it right there! Then, Kashmir can be a part of Pakistan, Arunachal Pradesh can be part of China & Assam can merge with parts of Bangaldesh. Only the people of Srilanka, thru a plebiscite, can decide if they want to carve out a territory for the Tamils or any other minority. We, as foreigners, have NO say in that.
Merging Northern Srilanka with Tamil Nadu – which problem will this solve? Srilanka is a friendly nation right now. If we engineer the creation of a Tamil state, they will kick our ass by installing a military base for China near our border! I’m sure you know that China is already supplying weapons to Srilanka.
If we do what you say, a whole bunch of ex-LTTE militants will become our citizens. Some of them inducted as Tigers when they were kids. I’m not eager to have such “model” citizens in India. Disarmed Tigers are Srilanka’s problem. We don’t need them, over & above the issues we already have.
We should respect the territorial integrity of our neighbors & help them control aggression, whenever possible, with whatever means we approve of. That’s the stand of our Central Govt & I respect that.
Many Tamils live peacefully with the Sinhalas in other parts of Srilanka. Its mainly the North East that has this problem.
Priya, my thoughts exactly. I agree with you word for word – am glad someone wrote a post on this (and a tamizh person at that, mind you, I am one too
). I am sick and tired of reading the views and opinions of “dravidian tamizh” idealogy and the keepers of the said idealogy. The movie-makers and politicians of TN are a big joke; none bigger or better than the CM’s clan.
What were these TN activists doing when the LTTE was having the upper-hand (so-called) and killing the Sinhalese and the tamilians who didn’t toe their line? So their lives are worth less than the LTTE lives… The timing of these whole thing is just ridiculous.
A-kay – Thanks for your comment.
I’m delighted to see that you are as sick & tired as me with these Tamil Zealots. Tamil is an ancient language, we have every reason to take pride in that. But, extending that to support dubious “Tamil Causes” irks me.
Yeah, as you say, according to these clowns & bigots – Tamil lives are more important than Sinhala lives, but less important than the lives of Terrorists.
What is extremely irritating is this big joker called Pazha Nedumaran. He STILL keeps in touch with LTTE – even now, during this war. At least that’s what he claims. Why isn’t this guy behind bars, held for questioning?
Better still, we should hold Prabhakaran’s wife for questioning.
Territories are man made borders and often do not take into account the aspirations of the people. Just as andhrapradesh under nizam was included in india on popular demand, other boundaries can be drawn. Yes, if all kashmiries well and truly want to belong to pakistan, they should not be stopped. The idea is to be able to create a climate of consensus where people are able to express themselves freely without fear of violence. Borders are drawn every few years in Europe. There is nothing sacred about it.
I agree with what you said about LTTE though. However, a number of them are already in India anyway..
Revathi – Yes, some of the LTTE terrorists are in India now. The Mother Lode is still in Srilanka – the deadliest of them.
The only lines getting constantly redrawn are in the former iron curtain countries. They are no role models. In the developed world, Germany redrew its lines by merging the West & the East! When the whole world is trying to build large economic blocs of co-operation, secession is meaningless. It makes people think they’ll be magically better off after having their own nation, but its a mirage. Secession isn’t a solution.
Plus, your argument is based on the idea that the North-East historically belongs to Srilankan Tamils. Pro-LTTE people may crow that they have proof for this. But, they don’t. I’ll cover this in a separate post.
Andhra Pradesh spoke during the time of independence, when the lines were being drawn. People have to speak then, or maintain their silence. Possession is 9/10ths the law. Srilanka became independent in 1948. What were the Tamils doing till the 1970s?
How will secession promote consensus? All people speaking a certain language take the same stand on every issue? It will promote gross intolerance, because that’s the outcome of sameness. And without diversity, any nation is doomed. Should we permit the Raj Thackerays of this world to drive away “other” people from their states & territories?
Violence is innate. Secession won’t remove it from our hearts. People will simply find another reason to be violent. Afghans live in their own country. And yet, some morons sprayed acid on the faces of young girls last week. Because they attend school.
And where do we end all this re-drawing of lines? Can we declare Tamil Nadu a separate country if we get enough “Aye” votes? Then, let Chennai secede next. Its the nerve center of Tamil Nadu & why should we pull the dead-weight backward districts? Having come thus far, I want Mylapore & Triplicane to secede, because as a Tamil Brahmin I want my own country.
The Libertarian ideal is a pipe dream. It cannot achieve economies of scale. And very simply, its against the law.
Telangana issue is a silly pet project of TRS one of the most narrow policy oriented party. It originated out of the political void created by Mr Naidu. Regionally every part of AP has certain backward areas. It is not just one specific region. These days every T,D & H wants to be a CM. I hope it dies a natural death.
Vamsi – Thanks
I greatly fear for the sovereignty of the “Sovereign UnSocialist Castist Triplicane and Mylapore Republic”. Because the minority Vaishnavite forces of Iyengars & Madhvas may want to secede from the majority Iyers. We can’t come to a consensus on whether the Groom’s wedding gear should be yellow or off-white. And Iyers resent the fact that Vaishnavite Traitors use too much Tamil in their daily life. Such differences are unbearable.
But, I can take comfort from this: Angry mobs from the neighboring “United Kannada Smartha Brahmin Republic” will enter Mylapore & Triplicane illegally, in support of their Iyer brethren. My only fear is the “Federal Republic of Malayalam Namboodiris”. Those back-biters may support the secessionist Vaishnavites.
Troubles, Troubles.
It may be ok if a state is split into 2 parts for better administration, or to get more attention. As long as people don’t want their own country, I’m fine. But yes, I agree with you on Telangana. Every state has many backward areas.
Priya,
I finally sat down for half an hour and read both the parts of the Sri Lanka series in detail. Hats off to you for doing intensive research and to share your insights and findings with everyone. I could not have got a better understanding of the situation than this.
I truly hope peace comes to Sri Lanka without more damage to people. I never had any respect for LTTE. Any organization that involves in violence even if they say it is “justified” is a thumbs-down from my side.
Saraswathi – Thanks for your comment.
The 1st few parts are easier. Getting reliable information is becoming progressively difficult. So my take on this is, if all I have is propaganda, let me see what both sides have to say & make sense out of it.
Unfortunately, there will be more violence. Srilanka can never be sure it has broken the tiger’s back. They may characteristically lie low & then hit Colombo when they are least prepared for it. I’m with you 100%. I think LTTE is a dung-heap. Violence is a no-no & terrorism is sickening.
Priya,
I dont care how you describe (unparlimentary or abusive) about terrorist organisations but I wasa disappointed at the language you used to mention about the late kings and warriors. It was totally uncalled for, apart from that it was as usaul sarcastically informative.
Ananth – Thanks for your comment.
I’m not sure which description of mine you find offensive. I don’t think I’ve used any uncalled for language. I haven’t stated anything that hasn’t already been said about our late kings. Most of it is documented history or in canons. With all due respect, I don’t see the need for history (or any subject) to be staid, serious & proper.
Hi Priya,
I accept the fact that LTTE is a brutal force killing people. But in the name of slamming the LTTE you forgot to mention the atrocities the Srilankan government did to Tamil civilians which instigated a part of them to become rebellions. My point is, if you write about a issue or topic it should be complete and explain all the intricacies involved in the issue.
Your post seems to lopsided by briefing one part of the issue and left the other side untouched. Comparing this issue with J&Kashmir is the summit of ridicule. These two are totally irrelevant issue.
Instead of discussing the issue that is prevailing between Srilankan army and LTTE you have thrown light more on issue existed between ethnic Tamil groups in Lanka. The words you have used show your disdain towards late kings of south India.
To summaries, the post is not the complete history of Srilanka, it’s a sarcastic, lopsided, immature writing about a sensitive issue without having a panoramic understanding.
Karthikeyan – I have a simple rule. Polite comments will get polite responses. Rude comments will be treated with contempt. I don’t expect people to agree with me, I just expect them to be polite. If that rule is too much for you, be ready for retaliatory, disdainful missives from me.
You think you have a “point”? Did you see the title properly? Its called “Part-1″ for a reason. It is ridiculous to expect every single aspect of the Srilankan problem covered in the 1st part of the post. Before shooting your mouth off immaturely, you should have attempted to read the remaining posts.
Perhaps you’ll have enough attention span to read the other parts in this series? And get this: this is an *ongoing* series. Let me translate it for you: It means, there are more posts to come. Stop jumping up & down & get a grip before you embarrass yourself any further. Yours is a knee-jerk reaction, without any reflection on what a “series” means.
What is the “summit of ridicule” in comparing it to J&K? Anyone can throw lame adjectives without data. Substantiate your claim on why J&K is different from Srilanka. Else accept yours is an irrational reaction & move on.
I don’t write superficial posts. If you think the Srilankan problem is solely limited to the “prevailing issue” between the army & LTTE, you have no idea what triggered the ethnic tensions. And worse, you have no curiosity to know that either. You seem to go by the principle – if you don’t know something, it ain’t worth knowing & no one should write about it either.
What “disdain” have I shown for the kings of South India? Again, lame adjectives bandied about because you think humor should be restricted to the curdled comedy track in movies. That’s your problem, not mine.
See the comment from Ananth & learn from him. He didn’t like the way I described the kings either – but his comment is civil. Dissent is always welcome. We may not see eye to eye, but we can be respectful of each other.
Your summary is the height of your ignorance. I pity you if you think you have a “panoramic” understanding of the problem. “Panoramic insouciance” is more like it.
I even deigned to respond to your comment, only to show you how rude, boorish, nasty comments will be treated in this blog. Any further rude comments from you will be moderated out.
@ Karthikeyan….
How is Kashmir different from SriLanka? In my opinion only difference in Kashmir is that 2 countries are interefing with affairs of the State(3 if we include China in Ladakh ).Politicians/Actors in TN by acting funny are infact trying to interfere in the Sovergnity of Sri Lanka which is totally unacceptable.
So the comparision makes perfect sense.
Karthik – Thanks. If Karthikeyan had given some facts on why Kashmir & Jaffna are different, I’ll be very glad to listen.
As it is, his reaction fits a pattern. He thinks, me being an Indian, should have used appropriate mournful language to describe the defeat of the Tamil king Elara > 2200 years back. I may be wrong, but I think he wouldn’t have minded my irreverence if Elara had whupped Dutta Gamanu’s ass.
Perhaps he reasons thus, extending his patriotism & loyalty for his country: Kashmir is the handiwork of our enemies. Srilankan crisis isn’t the handiwork of our enemies. Ergo, they can’t be the same.
vaNakkam. I begin to add my comments:
“If you are not hiding under a rock, you would be grimacing at the goings-on in Srilanka – and the attendant clown acts in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with politicians and movie actors falling over each other in their zeal to support the LTTE. If all they wanted to do was to solve the humanitarian crisis in Srilanka, hats off to them. But, that’s not their goal. Most of them want a separate Eelam for Tamils.
Holy Canoli, I thought. If Pakistani actors staged a hunger strike for the cause of Kashmir – How would that make us feel? We may choose to carve out a piece of Kashmir & throw it out for the separatist dogs, but that’s our decision & nobody else’s. We may grin & bear mediation efforts from United Nations or from neutral countries like Norway. But, we would not tolerate random foreigners poking their ugly noses in our internal affairs.”
the parallel is mischievous. Kashmir or for that matter no part of Indian sub continent was part of any muslim population to begin with . But events in the historical courses as they happened did bring into existence Muslim populations. To be brief, after colonisation of Indian sub continent by the British and welding of the colonial poltiy of india, Mulsim population turned a minoiry and Mohammad Ali Ginna wanted a separate and independent polity for them where MUSLIMS CAN LIVE FREE FROM FEAR OF MAJORITY. Pakisthan was eventually created unmindful of partition and the massive human tragedy of killing and maiming of people. THERE WAS NEVER PAKISTHAN AT ANY POINT OF TIME OF HISTORY IN INIDIAN SUB CONTINENT.
Once Pakisthan is created for the Muslims, all thsoe who believed in living in an Isalmic State were expected to move to Pakisthan as did the Jews from everywhere into jewsih state of Israel.
Kashmir has even been given special status. Therefore Pakisthan sponsoerd violent movement for independendent kashmir is not justified. And Kahsmir tangle can never have parallel with Thamizh Eezham and teh opprssive war against Eezhamite tamils by the Sri Lankan Army.
THERFORE IF PAKISTHANI ACTORS STAGE A SHIOW OF SOLIDARITY WITH VIOLENCE IN KASHMKIR THAT WPOULD NOT BE JUSTIFIABLE!
“So, what makes these politicos & film actors think they can dictate terms to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Srilanka, a sovereign nation? I hope that discerning people all over India are able to see beyond the race card”
WHO R U? a Sinhalese masqurading as a Tamil here? can u revela ur identity? I am a Tamilian of KVG social identity and live near Coimbatore maavattam in my sacred and precious Thamizh Naadu, Aawyer by profession? I am an Indian toot. I was a participant in anti Hindi agitation of the year 1965. i was beaten up by police in front of Presidency College on Marina. I was a student of MCC, Tambaram. I wrote a 60 page article about anti Hindi movement which is actually a facet of Tamil nationalism embedded ine ach true tamilian wiht proper education of history of his identity and resultant perceptions of ethnic, linguistic , cultural, economic, social and other needs.
I am motivated by an inevitable urge and longing to have atleast one sovereign State of their own for Tamils on this vast earth and if not in eezham where else they can have given the 50 years of humiliation, discrimination and repression by the steam roller majoirity Sinhalese?
Thus the actors, show of a day long fasting was only of sympbolic support. NOT OF NECESSARY MOTIVATION AND SUSTAINED SUPPORT TO THE CAUSE OF THAMIZH EEZHAM!
Political scenario in Tamil naadu is woefully pathetic. NONE TODAY CVAN SUPPORT LTTE.
THOSE WHO HAS FAITH IN INDIAN POLITY NOW R COMPELLED TO RETHINK OF OUR COMMITMENT.
For, the same NEW DELHI did not driove away Mukthi Baklhini of Bnagla desh!
In each war thrusted on India by Pakisthan and China what was the stand of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Srilanka?
In Bnagla Desh liberation war, Colombo willingly helped West Pakisthani troops movement to the East Pakisthan for the event of ethnic cleansing of bnegali muslims people of east Pakisthan.
what was the stand of Colombo during Indo China war?
there is no need for further words of anti Indian conduct of Colombo.
BUT NEW DELHI AND COLOMBO DO MAKE STRANGE BED FELLOWS WHERE THERE IS NEED TO CURB TAMIL NATIONALISM!
PAKISTHAN & ISREAL DO SUPPORT COLOMBO AGAINST EEZHAM TAMILS.
BEJING AND WASSHIGTON TOO ARE AGAINST THE EEZHAMITE TAMILS.
WEST & EU NOT IN WHOLE HAVE SUPPORTED THE CAUSE OF EEZHAMITE TAMILS!
They have no ethnic motivation and or commitments.
When the ANC of Nelson Mandela did fihgt against the repressive and discriminatory White apartheid regime of Pretoria
DID NLT THE FRONT LINE BLACK AFRICAN STATES HELP ALL OUT TO MANDELA?
Race is the factor.
HAVE NOT THE ARABS SUPPORTED THE PALETSINIANS?
Race is the fcator there!
So are we TAMILS , that is genuine Tamils, not of the ilk of Thiru. Subramnaiam swamy, Thiru.’ Cho’ Raamasaamy and “HINDU” Thiru Rami of whom I have watched even from students days at MCC where he was invited by our Department of Politics and Public Administration to talk on Marxism.
I have espoused tamil nationalism which is innate and incidental to my tamil identity. Of course there is commitmnet to my counrty but I am watchful of the suitability of this country to my identity.
Pazhanisaamy Padmanaabhan,
First, request to write your comments in logical order by not using capital letters.
Two, you are ideologically far end of the spectrum, perhaps an inch away from picking up the arms and joining LTTE. You are free to do so. Your life and your dreams. But dont try to rub those ideas and expect average Indian/Tamilian to accept it.
Third, your sense of humor has to be improved. A figurative sense of speech to make a blog post more interesting cannot be attributed to be disrespectful of any group. If you say so, then there is no difference between you and fanatic folks who demanded Sandiyar title to be changed to Virumandi.
Fourth, if you are saying that Tamil Elam has to be crafted by segregating from India, you are a secessionist and are thinking of treason.
A request to blog owner, please delete this person’s posts. He doesnt contribute anything constructive to this community.
Pazhanisaamy – Stop filibustering. If you want to make a few points calmly, make them, wait for the other readers to respond & then make a few more. Don’t drown the post with comments. Next, I’ve moderated out your comments where you had supported LTTE, a banned terrorist organization in India. Such show of support is illegal. Prabhakaran is one of the most wanted terrorists in the red list of Interpol. That cannot be explained away by conspiracy theories against the “cause of Tamils”. I have also moderated out comments where you had wondered why Tamil Nadu should remain in the Indian Union. That is Sedition.
Subsequent comments from you – that don’t follow the norms listed in the above para will be moderated out.
There was never a Pakistan before the partition. But what makes you think there always was a separate Tamil state in Srilanka? If you choose to believe in the propaganda of Tamil separatist movements, that’s totally up to you. If indeed there was a separate Tamil state, why did they agree to be a part of the Sovereign state of Srilanka in 1948? Stating that the North East was a Tamil state forever is an over-simplification of history & migration patterns. Chew this, the word “Eelam” is a corruption of “Hela” or “Elu”, which is the name of the Ancient Sinhala language.
Next, it is ridiculous to state that Race is the factor in Arabs supporting Palestine. Religion is the factor. Anyone who has mingled with Arabs can see that those from North Africa look nothing like the Arabs from Lebanon, for e.g. And the Lebanese look nothing like those from Saudi Araba. And Sauds look nothing like the Arabs in Sudan.
Language is only 1 part of someone’s identity. Religion is another. Caste is yet another. Then come Profession, Economic Strata etc. Now according to you, every group or sub-group needs nation-hood? The Dravidian rhetoric isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. What should we do next? Separate states for Tamil Muslims, Tamil Christians & Tamil Hindus? Then, from the state of Tamil Hindus, “Fake Tamils” (your term for Brahmins?) should secede, asking for a Tamil Brahmin state. We can’t carve up countries because a few people like you have a longing for a separate state.
If you think that only Sinhalas masquerading as Tamils will oppose the formation of a Tamil state in Srilanka, you are sadly out of touch with the real world.
I don’t have to respond to your cheap Brahmin baiting. If you wake up after your deep slumber & enter the 21st Century, you’ll find that religion, language, caste etc are becoming increasingly irrelevant. At least in the parts of the world with a sound economy.
@ Priya,
I empathise with you :I am not able to read 2 of these comments .I really pity you if you had to read a whole lot of jingoist Jibberish and then moderate it .
And of course a Thanks for saving from that:)
As for Mr Pazhaniappan….raising a voice on some issue does not make it right …I am dead sure that you have not read the post sequence as well the discussion that followed before jumping into another argument.
And all your shouting does not really justify the LTTE’s actions in any form way (assuming that these guys are fighting for freedom).
Karthik – Thanks
I had to moderate 6 comments from Pazhanisaamy. That makes it 8 comments from him at 1 go.
I also had to moderate his comment on the “Blog Pongal” post by Sukumar. Apparently, Pazhanisaamy was irate that the “Blog Pongal” post did not have anything to say about the real Pongal, the festival of the “Tamils”. I could scarcely believe what I read, but there you have it. Not to mention the fact that Pongal is celebrated all over India, not just in Tamil Nadu.
vaNakkam , to all u here- PR,Vamsi and PKK , so far.
In introdcution, u may please advert to my earliest two pposting in this series of my postings under this topic of Real Hitsory of Sri Lanka” ( hereinafter RHSL for short).
it is sad that PR , (the blog owner, that is the aurhor of the article under comments from me currenlty and lothersr from the date of publishing the part-1 by PR) has chosen to “moderate” which in effect as I see aboe is deletion!
the resaon given by PR is :” supported LTTE, a banned terrorist organization in India. Such show of support is illegal. Prabhakaran is one of the most wanted terrorists in the red list of Interpol. That cannot be explained away by conspiracy theories against the “cause of Tamils”. I have also moderated out comments where you had wondered why Tamil Nadu should remain in the Indian Union. That is Sedition. ”
As u may be aware from myi nntroductiry words in my posting above and not moderated, that is not deleted ( and i quote for convenience them right here please :”I am a Tamilian of KVG social identity and live near Coimbatore maavattam in my sacred and precious Thamizh Naadu, Aawyer by profession? I am an Indian toot. I was a participant in anti Hindi agitation of the year 1965. i was beaten up by police in front of Presidency College on Marina. I was a student of MCC, Tambaram. I wrote a 60 page article about anti Hindi movement which is actually a facet of Tamil nationalism embedded ine ach true tamilian wiht proper education of history of his identity and resultant perceptions of ethnic, linguistic , cultural, economic, social and other needs.
I am motivated by an inevitable urge and longing to have atleast one sovereign State of their own for Tamils on this vast earth and if not in eezham where else they can have given the 50 years of humiliation, discrimination and repression by the steam roller majoirity Sinhalese? “) I am a lawyer by professions and a formal member of legal fratetrnity in the High Court of juidcature at Madras ( the formal name of the HC in Chennai is used ) . The connected words are not printed properly :”Aawyer by profession? I am an Indian toot.” This must read as I really wanted to pirnt, ” I am a lawyer by profession. I am an Indian citizen” .
I qulalified in 1974 and after a few years of practice at trial level in Erode ( my native maavattam) for experiences in the application of certain substantive and procedural laws, I was drawn into a particular work in 1983 under the Companies Act and I have stayed on the roll of the lawyers of ther High Coiurt till date though currently I am in Coimbatore taking care of a hevay civil dispute again of my family member only.
this much of my legal profeesional background is relevant here inasmuch PR have sought to charge me with really big words like my “illegal” support to LTTE” and “sedition” on the basis of my comments wondering why Tamil Naadu should remain as a component of Indian Union.
well..I am really sorry to find reverbations of pre-independence colonial authoritarian voice,,Sir/Madam! ( if u so wish pleaes be kind enough to clairfy ur gender) .
support to LTTE banned here for the reason of the proscription of the same by the GOI.
Ok! But I needed my words back to assess my presentation correctly and myself judge if they fall within the scope impsoed by u here.
I am sorry PR this is my first ever particpation in “blog” discussion, If I may call. I am not used this kind if restricted way of arguing matters . If ur restriction that support t to LTTE
is “illegal”, by this time editors of journals like Junior Vikatan (JV) and Kumudam Reporter (KR) and other journals and news paper like Dhinamani in Tamil Naadu must be behind the bar!
KR issue dated 29.1.2009 (Malar 8 / ithaz 84) with the wrapper caption in bold letters “THAMIZH EEZHAM MALARUMAA?” has given an article from one thiru.Mu.Se.Kumaarasaamy , who taught Thamizh language in Thamizh Eezham from March 2006 to March 2008 by staying over there having reached there via Colombo with proper passport and visa etc! His students included Tmt.Madhivathani wife of Thiru.Pirabakaran, the LTTE’s supremo.
JV issue dated 28 Jan 299 too has given cover story with the beautiful picture of the LTTE supremo , holding to his head level a child of the bombed and wiped school SENJOLAI. The title story is
ATHUNGUVATHAA? …PAAIVATHAA? This is an analysis of battel strategies of the LTTE.
Dhinamani daily has been regualry publishing articles from thiru.Pazha. Nedumaaran, the most sincere supporter of LTTE.
But it is true that their liberty is not at the discretion of the Tamil Naadu govenmnet. If AIADMK was in power their status may be different.
One thing , in order to make the debate of this issue short and conclusive here – if u do not like me printing in support of the LTTE, I will modify my presentation. that is, I do not want to have lengthy debate wiht u on this issue and my basis is though the ban is tjhere is no definite judicial pornouncement has been yet made. Can an organaisation leading an aremed struggle in another country be banned? The GOI is perfectly wihtin its competence to ban the operations of LTTE wihtin its territories inlcuding Thamizh Naadu. In my view this what meant by the ban. The LTTE can not operate in India! Any logistic al, including oral support to facilitate its operations here, that is in India, would surely be illegal. But can an Indian citizen’s support to its operations in lother be illegal? this question is NOT yet answered by any court of law yet here.
u c, PR, the GOI has not banned Hamas! the cause of Palestinians’ struggle is acceptable to India. The GOI has recognised the Plaestinian’s movement for their separate and sovereign State. Why? Obivously to conform to the needs and expecataions of Arab States where milions of Indian citizens are working !
here is a lot I can write lihewise. Emotionally I am a committed supporter of the cause of my Eezhamite Tamils . After all selvi.JJ in TN too has by her reported current mood accepted the right of the Eezhamite Tamils for self determination! Thus far she has made twice such statements.
In short my limitations in terms of law anent support to LTTE. To be specific if LTTE happens to champion the cause of the sacred longing of Eezhmiae tamils for reviving their
historical State by a modern name of Thamizh Eezham, words describing theri activiteis in Thamizh Eezham will not amount to illegal. if ur perception is different be it so. If u will not permit me to do that, then I dunno what to do?
Therefore let me first discuss points in ur 5 parts article that relate to history of the Eezhamite Tamils and other aspests in the contents of ur serial essay
Before that let me also advert to what u have called “sediition”. Here again I did not preserve my words that provoked u to call them seditious.
we will cover them later.
To day I will close my postings now for want of time and I hope to continue after reading ur reaction to my thoughts and views expressed above. That would further help me to design an approch to deal with ur articles. u will help me further to determine the scope and meaning of ur words ” Subsequent comments from you – that don’t follow the norms listed in the above para will be moderated out’
Thank u so much Sir/?Madam , PR !
NB: 1. I have not read all ur parts. I rather would like to read them whole and go by replying to u under each part. Thus it wil not be “If you want to make a few points calmly, make them, wait for the other readers to respond & then make a few more. Don’t drown the post with comments”
2.” If you wake up after your deep slumber & enter the 21st Century, you’ll find that religion, language, caste etc are becoming increasingly irrelevant. At least in the parts of the world with a sound economy”- absolutely true! But in Tamil Naadu such realities have to be debated for in this territory of Tamils they can not afford to lose their language, their identity and their heritage . In can be so for them in places like RSA, Mauritus, FIGI Ialnds, New Zeland, Australia , USA, UK , Europe etc. Herein lies the total different difference between a ‘Tamil Brahmin” by which u have identifed elsewhere in the discussion and me , a tTamil by known history, language spoken, parental and locational birth and heritage . I have not I am a Tamil KVG! I am by any count a Tamil and an Indian citizen, as of today and by ocurtesy of the colonial reign. I am indeed grateful to what Indian has doen to me and believe me I have served this countyr most loyall! For instance, PR, in my sencond year of BA days, with economcs major, that patrticular day during a class of the subject of Currency and Banking, my professor Dr.Raajaratnam deviated from the subject lectured us about India’s population problem and i resolved NOT to ahev more than baby in my post -married family life. this was in 1965-65. I got married and begot a son. I confined to that number though the govt norm was “naam iruvar namakku iruvar”. But my lcommunity requirement was to have one more child atleast to qualfiy me for the ritual of “muzhakkatha seer” ( ear boring ceremony conforming to community norms). But my perception of this polity has changed so much with more realties unfonlding everwhere in the world and wiithin this polity. For Iisantance the implosive colalpse of th then USSR, emergence of the EU, which parallel I can say has happened in some ways for Indian sub continent due to colonial rule resulting in the unique Indian polity with which we are experimenting and which I feel is NOT conducive for developmnet of ethnic economy to enable the nationalties here to obvitate eclipse of their natural identities for the reason of economic surviva. That is Tamil need not flourish in Singapore as illustarated in news published at page 75 in AANANDA VIKATAN issue dated 17.12.2008 . The news essay ends with exhortation:” ThamizharkaLin kanivaana kavanaththiRkku” ( for the Kind attention of the Tamils ). well let me take lave from u all for the day, PR and others. nandRi.
vide my posting at :”In introdcution, u may please advert to my earliest two pposting in this series of my postings under this topic of Real Hitsory of Sri Lanka” ( hereinafter RHSL for short).
Please be kind enough to read:” In introdcution, u may please advert to my earliest two postings undre part V in this series of postings under this topic of Real Hitsory of Sri Lanka” ( hereinafter RHSL for short).
Thank u friends.
PP,
Just a quick question? Do you think the LTTE is representative of the entire Tamil population…Its like saying BJP or Shiv Sena representing the entire Hindu population….Politicos keep talking about Human rights violation by the Sri Lankan Army and LTTE has martyrs…
I am not sure if you aware but these guys recruits 10 year olds in the army ..I dont think that is exaclty service to society.
Pazhanisaamy – A request: Please make your comments briefer & less rambling, if you want other people to read them & respond to you. The blogosphere is all about succinctness. Please look at the comments others have made, for reference.
I can’t take action on the magazine editors you mention, but that doesn’t mean I’ll accept inappropriate comments in this group blog, a sphere in my control. The atmosphere in Tamil Nadu is pathetic & the state has gone to the dogs. The Chief Minister himself openly supports LTTE, pens eulogies for slain terrorists etc. Pazha Nedumaran – he’s a rabble rouser, the less said about him, the better. He is a supporter of terrorists that killed an Indian leader in Indian soil. Many people have started wondering if he’s in the payroll of LTTE.
The laws of the land are sacrosanct. I will continue to moderate out – delete, in your words – any comment that shows sympathy & support for the “cause” of terrorist organizations, that have spread their poisonous roots in my country. I don’t care if Hamas is outlawed in India or not. LTTE is banned in India & in many other countries. That’s good enough for me.
You have ignored my point about your incorrect notion – based on false history & propaganda – that the North East belongs to the Tamils. And my point on the origin of the word Eelam. Or, on the difference between race, language, religion, caste etc.
You are welcome to hold on to your views on Tamil Separatism in the North East of Srilanka, but don’t expect me to be sympathetic. There is nothing sacred about separatism. If we keep dividing so that every “race” has a nation, where would it all end?
And honestly, you are an Indian citizen. Who are you, to support an armed separatist struggle in another country? On no account will Tamil Nadu secede from India. So, how does it matter to you that there’s a “Tamil” country in another island, an island for which you don’t have a citizenship?
I would appreciate it if you stop posting more comments on this post, without reading other posts in this series.
Karthik – Yeah, Pazhanisaamy doesn’t want to face dastardly acts by the LTTE. He’s a believer in their cause. So any atrocity they commit is either regrettable (but needed in such struggles) or never happened (conspiracy by RAW or the Lankan forces). I don’t think you’ll make him re-think his shocking position, of breaking another nation into pieces, to feed the ego of the a-hole Prabhakaran.
PKK and PR: I am really sorry when i opened to load two mors posting i did not read ur postigns but when my first fo two posting got posted i read yrs. i have one more left. Please be kidn enough to accommodate this oen and i will surely consider ur requets to be brief.
Senthil:
u have said above on 7th november 7, 2008 at 1:54 pm above: “sorry.. one correction.. its deputy chief minister.. its Mr. Ramasamy, son of muthammal grant ”
No! thiru.ramasamy is younger brother of tmt.Muthammaal Grant ..as clarifeid by her in her mail to me just received few minutes ago into my mail box.
the relevnace is this well read Professor is s well known supporter of the cause of Eezhamite Tamils of strong ethnic commitements .
To PR and PKK anent their postings above, dera friends let me NOT seek to rebut ur charges.
“dastardly acts” of LTTE and slaying of indian leader on Indian soil. ( thiru.Raajiv Gandhi)
well here as a tamil I view such acts certainly in moral perspective and in ethnic angle as well.
morally and as an Indian citizen I have to feel so terrible about the killing of thiru.Raajiv.
But the leader OUGHT NOT to have sought to weaken the cause of sovereign EEzham. The real culprits are thiru. Bnadari and thiru.Dixit who misled thiru rajiv who was a novice to politics then, leave alone the sesitive issue fo the freedom struggle of the eezhamite tamils.
as for ur accusation and derogatory comments against thiru.Nedumaaran, he is an exemplary Tamil nationalist. But u will not be prone to view him otherwise than gthrough ur own preferred concepts of Sri Lanka and teh struggle of ethnic tamils in the island.
I have read the recent comments of a Tamil Minister from estate tamil community in the cabinet His Excellency Rajapakshe.
He too is wary though he has identified with his estate tamil community. He too has greievd that the ethinc tamils did not bother about his community.
That must NOT be the main issue now.
we will meet again.
Pazhanisaamy – There is no Tamil Nationalism, there’s only North Eastern Srilankan Tamil Separatism. Tamil Nadu is a part of India & belongs to all Indians & also foreign nationals that want to reside peacefully with us. Tamil is a fine language, should be preserved etc, but most people honestly don’t care for a “Tamil” state.
Let’s meet again in some other post. I think its time you read other posts & commented on those. Thanks for understanding.
Priya.. you oppose support of LTTE as it is banned here.. But, what is your vies on Priyanka vadera (alias Bianca vadera) meeting Nalini in the jail, floating all forms of legal rules.. when even the wife and daughter of late rajiv could support the direct accused (nalini), what is wrong in ordinary tamils supporting LTTE?
Will you be as usual silent on the activities of sonia family or do you condemn their activities..
Senthil – When did I defend the weird activities of Sonia Gandhi? What is the basis of your claim, that I “approve” of this tomfoolery that Priyanka committed? Can anyone with even half a brain condone this atrocious thing she did?
I don’t have to defend my silence or otherwise to you or to anyone else. If someone writes about every single thing that bothers them, they probably don’t know enough or don’t have enough exposure. Do me a favor & drop your holier than thou attitude.
I’ve moderated your other comment. You’ve said enough on this subject, kindly move on.
Hi Priya,
I am glad to stumble upon a blog that explains the ethnic history of Sri Lanka. I guess, most of the Indians – both, the ones that root for the LTTE, and the ones that don’t, would not be aware of the existence of two distinct group of Tamils in SL. I am from Tamil Nadu and I was not aware of this fact until I started sharing an apartment with an Indian Tamil from Colombo. Some of the topics that you have touched upon in your blog match fairly accurately with my roommate’s accounts, especially, the attitude of SL Tamils towards Indian Tamils during the early post-independence days.
It is sad that countries like Sri Lanka and Rwanda are still suffering from the effects of conflict caused by colonial-era ethnic polarization.
-
Karthik
98A3PS…
n.b: I found this http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2151064219162771887 to be a good documentary on the ethnic conflict.