Lanka's LTTE problem
UAE: It's appreciable that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is
showing a sense of realism in dealing with the Tigers. There, hence, is
a semblance of hope that Sri Lanka's present line of action vis-a-vis
the LTTE will bear fruit in the long run, if not in the immediate
future.
Simply put, the President's is a 'carrot and stick' policy, that is
making a positive difference to the situation. His government is seeking
to endear the Tamils alienated by decades of rebel brainwashing and
military onslaughts, by extending them material and medical aid and
seeking to engage them in a political dialogue.
At the same time, it is giving the rebels back in their own coin;
through aggressive retaliatory attacks. The recent retaking of an
Eastern Province town from the clutches of the rebels, breaking a
decade-long impasse, is an indication the Sri Lankan military finally
means business.
Rajapaksa is a leader who has risen from the ranks; a reason why a
sense of realism guides his initiatives. That he has a vision for the
future is very clear. A part of that vision is reflected in his decision
to strengthen the military. Hence the 30 per cent hike in the defence
budget this year.
Any close observer of the Sri Lankan scene would admit this is the
way forward, rather than Colombo depending on other nations for military
support.
At the same time, it is important that Sri Lanka makes every effort
to buy peace through a negotiated political settlement with the rebels,
so as to hasten its development process. The nation won independence
from its colonial masters a year after India did, but, by comparison,
there has been very little of progress in the island. The rebel menace
has taken its toll on development.
Under the circumstances, however, any solution to the LTTE problem is
impossible without India being made to play a positive role. It is here
that the political maturity of the Sri Lankan leadership will be tested.
It can neither afford to ignore India nor engage it in the peace efforts
beyond a point. Rajapaksa's sense of realism will hopefully guide Sri
Lanka in this respect.
(Khaleej Times, February 11, 2007) |
